How to Polish Aluminum to a Mirror Finish without Power Tools or Sand Paper!

I show my secret on how I get aluminum to a mirror finish all by hand. The method that I use gets the aluminum to a mirror finish in 5 minutes or less with only a couple things, as I go over in the video. This method will work on all smooth aluminum surfaces. I hope this helps you out with your projects, and please SHARE this video to help out your friends with theirs!
Thanks for watching and have a great day!
Feel free to check out my other videos if you are looking for something to do!
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Instagram: @projectdirtbikes
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Filmed with a GoPro Hero 6 Black
All music is royalty and copyright free
Timestamps
Intro (0:00)
Polishing (0:39)
Final result (3:30)
Outro (3:57)

[@davidsawyer1599]

Good job! WD-40 was designed to clean aluminum. You used it exactly as it is designed. It's a solvent not a lube. Short to the point video with no stinkin' music. A formula for success.

[@michaelgreen7028]

WD-40 was designed as a “WATER DISPERSANT,” hence the name. It was originally intended to protect munitions.

[@daybot9592]

Wd-40 is for to prevent rust.

[@davidsawyer1599]

@@michaelgreen7028 correct-a-moon-do.

[@davidsawyer1599]

Mr.Green knows his history. WD-40 was designed to clean. Clean aluminum missile fuselages. The missiles would have dew on them in the morning. The dew would dry and the missile bodies would have a white flaky residue. It was the 40th try at finding something that would clean and protect the raw aluminum. Now you know Sir.

[@daybot9592]

@@davidsawyer1599 it was to prevent the morning dew as a water dispersant.

[@420KingKottonmouth]

I'll be damned. In my 20+ years of detailing cars and boats, I never even thought about this. Awesome video young man, thanks for the tips!

[@wizrom3046]

A couple of tips; Strong cotton like some denim is better than microfibre soft cloth, it will polish quicker. Mix the polish 50/50 with vaseline, it wont dry out and you use much less polish. Also, the metal surface will be more water resistant and ths polished effect will last longer without needing repolishing.

[@projectdirtbikes]

I’ll have to try that out. Thanks for the tips!

[@Loosetweezers]

How long does the polish last?

[@libertyblack715]

I'd love to see your brief video but this was a good start.

[@wizrom3046]

@@Loosetweezers .. if you mix paste polish with vaseline it will last to do the whole job. Eventually the fabric will clog up with black metal particles.

[@Rowels_Darling]

You might make a good head start that way, but what you're trying to do is eliminate steps. Polishing is never a one-step process. It takes multiple passes with reducing grades of abrassive quality to get the shine and the mirror reflectiveness.

[@arontesfay2520]

Short and sweet and to the point. What any youtube tutorial should be

[@projectdirtbikes]

Thanks!

[@joshisms2pesos711]

You mean you don't want to see a video with their back story, and updates, personal life, relationships, emotional struggles, mistakes and future plans? What kind of a egotistic person are you? Joking.

[@DrewJacobson61]

I love it when young people make how to videos like this! Good job man! I’m going to try this on my aluminum trailer fenders!

[@projectdirtbikes]

Thanks, and good luck on your fenders!

[@marceloandahai7159]

Hes actually 60 he has the Benjamin button thing

[@jimj2683]

Better to stay in school and become a doctor or lawyer....

[@projectdirtbikes]

@@marceloandahai7159 🤣

[@aazeil]

@@jimj2683 sarcasm? or

[@codyweien4513]

I've been polishing from painted to bare for years, an gotta say I'm impressed young man.

[@warishaali6549]

I never knew you could have a mirror finish without power tools. The more you know. Good job.

[@projectdirtbikes]

Yeah neither did I until I was experimenting with WD-40 and scotch bright. Thanks for your comment!

[@warishaali6549]

@@projectdirtbikes you're welcome!! I was a bit surprised that it worked!!

[@markmason6869]

The ARM is the original power tool 👍

[@stevenfronz5957]

He makes this look easy no lie last hour ive been fighting this bike crank arm like crazyyyyyy

[@justinmiller7966]

Thank you for this, I have been trying to sand from 220-3000 and have had nothing but issues. This is going to save me weeks of work! This is one of the best things I have seen on KZbin, ever.

[@projectdirtbikes]

Glad I could help! Thanks for leaving a great comment!

[@mitchmckeiver1429]

Sanding like that only removes scratches and pitting in aluminium. It prepares it to then be polished just like in the video. Give it a good Sand with 240, then 400. Polish it with 800, 1500 then 3000. Use WD 40 with the higher grits to clean as you go. Then use the polish 👌

[@Soldier1287]

same, except i have grits all the way to 7000 grit starting at 80 grit. then all polishing compounds by hand. shit took forever

[@workenhard]

in 4 minutes I went from clueless to competent. solid work on this great video. I'm impressed.

[@projectdirtbikes]

Glad I could help! Thanks for the comment!

[@crisriddle]

Shortest and simplest aluminum polishing video and yet the best one out there!

[@projectdirtbikes]

Thanks! This means a lot!

[@tiagobelo4965]

not only was the video exactly as long as it needed to be, but the process was properly explained and the results look insane, well done mate

[@projectdirtbikes]

Thanks! Glad you liked it👍

[@nathanyork6894]

Thanks man! Iv been polishing this grill for hours and no results until I tried this! Thank you

[@projectdirtbikes]

Thanks for watching the video! Feel free to leave a comment. The abrasive I'm using is the *"Type A Very Fine"* grade pad. Which is also known as the *07447 pad.*

[@korben8336]

Hey what was the cloth/brush you used first I couldn’t understand what you said I heard Scotch something, thanks

[@projectdirtbikes]

@@korben8336 scotch brite

[@gazsto6733]

@@korben8336 Scotch-Brite™ Hand Pad 7447

[@rhoadsmatheson2246]

Great video, my friend, very friendly, courteous, and knowledgeable. I've used Mothers on aluminium before, but never had these results. Thank you very much!

[@AllOverMedia]

Great stuff bro!! I’m definitely using that method as soon as tomorrow morning!! Thanks for video! Great work!!

[@cecewd405]

This was AMAZING! I'm going to try this on my upper plenum.

[@swamppifi6186]

A very simple and effective method that produces an excellent result. thanks for the video

[@vmontijo]

Great video! Just getting to the point of polishing the aluminum on a restoration I am doing, so this timing is great! Thank you!

[@projectdirtbikes]

Thanks and good luck with your project!

[@TheOztrazine]

This really works. Restoring an old MTB and it’s coming up a treat. Thanks

[@spudman1125R]

Thanks for the great video! I just repacked a Jardine RT-4 canister for an '09 KLR-650 that I picked up this summer and while I had it off the bike and apart, I thought I'd try your method of making it look "new" again. I stopped short of the "mirror finish", but I have to say...it actually looks like a brand new brushed aluminum can again! Keep up the good work and ride safe!

[@pamil1923]

Mother is pissed you’re using her polish AND her kitchen towel!👍🏼☮️

[@projectdirtbikes]

😂

[@grantsims1729]

Thanks for all the detailed info on which product to use AND how to use them. Thanks for posting this!

[@steverx4460]

I've cleaned aluminium tubing on hang gliders - just with buffing compund. What I've found is that you need to cover it with wax polish to stop it corroding.

[@mercedes-benzw123]

Exactly how I like to see videos. Simple, to the point and it works!! Thanks a lot

[@penelopehammerton2907]

Hey, thanks for that, I am refurbishing my old bike and this information is most useful. Thank you :)

[@mayyouprosper8140]

This video was straight to the point. No bs👍

[@fredwilsonful]

Great! I watched a lot of videos today on polishing aluminum, but I'm stopping here! This is by far the best! I will use this formula!

[@projectdirtbikes]

Thanks! I hope you get great results! Let me know if you have any questions

[@Darthravenpilot]

Boy you are a genius! I’ll try this on mi H-D front fork! Thank you.

[@mcorby53]

Excellent find! I'll use this to get a mirror finish on an aluminum starburst and several cast aluminum lamps. They have an unfinished matte look to them and this refinement will greatly improve their appearance. Thank you, young man!

[@brettfrancis1527]

You wont get a mirror finish like that. There are scratches all over that frame still. Best way is to use a die grinder with the right rouge wheels and rouge.

[@bennyholguin7032]

Thanks for that demo! Going to have to try that!

[@nathanaelvictor1313]

MY MAN!! I love people who take the time out to educate how to do things that may seem complicated to most, but keep is simple so anyone can do it. Cheers to you brother

[@ecrusch]

Great job kid. I'm gonna try this on some of the aluminum parts on my motorcycle. Thanks a bunch for sharing your tip.

[@projectdirtbikes]

Awesome! I hope it works really well for you. Thanks for the comment!

[@OregonGardening]

This video should be higher on tbe ranks. Been looking for a good by hand video. Thank you! All the other videos I've found use power tools. Good work!

[@projectdirtbikes]

Thank you! I appreciate the great feedback!

[@sashoxxx]

Wow. I'm so happy about this video, my man. I'll be trying this on my polished and faded dish-type wheels on my W124. I've been delaying this job for ages now because it took so much time and muscle to do. Now I feel like trying this out tomorrow 😅

[@susanedmonson1208]

watched tons of videos to help me with my horton hauler trailer.....you, a very young man, created the best, most comprehensive video. You went right to the point and just wanted to tell you THANK YOU!!!!!

[@projectdirtbikes]

You’re welcome! And thank YOU! It’s comments like yours that make my day!

[@brandonethereal1084]

I gotta say this video was a gem.... I was using Power Green and sandpaper, for my NInja 600 and to no avail. Love the details and precise steps. Awesome!

[@projectdirtbikes]

Thanks! Glad I could help!

[@Rico11b]

Very good young man. A nice reminder that just a little bit of time and a bit of "elbow grease" still works wonders. :)

[@emilflognoid1532]

I just tried Wd40 and a white rag and that alone really worked! Polished up to near mirror with just that

[@izasanmiguel7127]

So awesome that you know this and shared it! Thank you!

[@aegan8329]

Right on man! I got a hell of a deal on some awful looking aluminum rims the other day, I was just gonna wire wheel the oxide off and call it a day, but this looks so easy that I may have to shine em up👌🏼 great video

[@projectdirtbikes]

Thanks and good luck!!

[@mikehenderson1797]

Awesome! I just tried this on an old motorcycle that we restored and in the final stage before selling it. This worked awesome to get the dull faded engine covers clean and shiny again! Thank you!!

[@malo_boiii]

Oh, nice! I was just asking about this. I'm trying to polish the valve cover on my engine.

[@projectdirtbikes]

Great to hear! And thanks for sharing!

[@volvolover6977]

Thanks. Tried this on the forks of my rmx worked wonders

[@jimwortham8634]

Thanks so much for posting really came out great personally polished aluminum piece chrome any day

[@MainForcePatrolKZ]

Great job bud, just tried it out for myself and worked well! You have saved me many hours of polishing. Legend!

[@projectdirtbikes]

That’s great! Thanks!

[@skeetersaurus6249]

If you want this to be a 'one time' polish event, these are not the right chemicals to use. What you are doing is two things. 1: You are removing aluminum oxide (aluminum 'rust') with the WD40, 2: You are temporarily sealing the aluminum from getting oxygen and re-oxidizing. Now, if you want to strip ALL aluminum oxide from the frame, you want to use Phosphoric Acid, not WD40. It's not a terrible acid to work with, but for large areas, you will want to use good ventilation and rubber gloves (Nitrile). Do the same process with the Scotchbrite pad, but use the Phosphoric Acid (uncut...often sold as an 'etchant'...and some 'stump removers' sold at the hardware store have it in them, as well). Scrub the frame down...doesn't take much, just a few passes. The aluminum will 'gray up more'...this is chemical conversion of Aluminum Oxide to Aluminum Phosphate...which acts almost like a 'primer'! Now, wipe it down GOOD...any traces left, help block oxygen from getting to the frame again. 2: You DO have to polish that aluminum frame! If you apply Mother's aluminum polish, it has wax, and will prevent your final step from working...OR...you can wax it with Mother's, but you'll have to re-apply...just not as often as with the WD40 process. Either use a buffer and some jeweler's rouge or other aluminum 'buffing compound'...bring it to a mirror sheen...and lastly, you now have pure, stripped-and-polished aluminum...either ANODIZE the frame (colors...red, blue, green, etc.), or CLEAR COAT THE FRAME (this is the process that commercial wheel manufacturers use, once desired polish is reached)...simple automotive clear coat will FOREVER stop future oxidation (unless the clear coat is scratched or chipped)...it's your choice, but for a 'bike builder' professional grade finish...this is how it's done. By the way, Phosphoric Acid will also remove all kanker rust from iron as well, and turn what is left into 'Iron Phosphate', the base pigment in gray auto primer...works well on old hard-to-find parts, as a way to prevent them from 'melting away from rust'. On iron, an excellent 'cheap anodizing' can be found with Casey COLD-BLUING (like you would use on firearms)...while it doesn't give a 'hot phosphate coating', it WILL prevent rust and result in a beautiful 'blue-gray' finish on what would otherwise be 'raw iron/steel'.

[@FRITZI999]

THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT RIGHT !!!

[@user-hd8mw3bz1r]

How does one paint an anodized gold door sweep (bottom weatherstrip) to paint it black ?

[@ant9867]

Thank you so much. Gonna go try this on my blaster!

[@williamjonas4013]

Truly amazing Best polish on aluminum i have ever seen.

[@codybell8744]

Thank you. I needed a easy way to get a mirror finish on my charge pipes. Going to try this

[@projectdirtbikes]

Good luck!

[@AB-C1]

Excellent video mate thanks from London England 👍

[@daesra]

I tried with the lip of my wheels and worked awesome, thank you for the video.

[@jbborg]

Thanks for one of the best videos I have seen on this subject. I have a 1966 CB77 which is going to get this treatment.

[@ayobali992]

Awesome tip👌, I'm definitely gonna try that out 👍

[@larylhuntington5398]

Awesome! Gonna try that on my old aluminum slot mags.

[@BlackMountainCycles]

This is exactly what I was looking for to do to the rocker covers on my Harley. Thank you, sir!

[@14wouter]

As do I!

[@projectdirtbikes]

Awesome! I hope you get great results, and you’re very welcome!

[@charlieryan1736]

Thanks for making this informative and helpful video 👍🏻 looks amazing

[@projectdirtbikes]

Your welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@billapperson2257]

Hell of a job !!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@galemy7111]

Certainly a huge WoW!Thx very much for making this video,mate!👍🏼

[@mrozrally5610]

You sir are a genius thank you for sharing with everyone you deserve more views man keep up the videos like this man

[@projectdirtbikes]

Thank you, man! That means a lot!

[@boblafountaine9560]

Are you freaking kidding me!!! You r a genius!!!

[@crescentmoon610]

The rear wheel on my Softail custom has become foggy over the years, didn’t know it was possible to make it pretty again. Thank you 🤟

[@markwoodland3313]

What a great idea and result! 😯👍

[@Rebecca_The_Dragon]

Gonna try this out on my new aluminum pulleys I got for my 350 small block, thanks!

[@projectdirtbikes]

Awesome! I hope it works well for you!

[@eugenebell3166]

Well impressed at that I recently bought a pre loved alloy mountain bike which is a bit tarnished. I'm looking forward to giving it a go. Thanks for the upload

[@rbrt2130]

How did it turn out?

[@eugenebell3166]

@@rbrt2130 pretty good, not as gleaming as the example shown I have to say, but a very satisfactory finish and worth the effort

[@wendyb223]

Best advice on aluminum polishing i’ve seen! Amazing on our boat parts! Who knew!

[@projectdirtbikes]

Thanks! Glad I could help!

[@danmaycock9238]

Simple but effective with a satisfying result.

[@masterofdisaster7427]

well done mate, thanks for the tip!

[@scottspecht6690]

Thanks for the tip. I'm going to polish the frame on my 02 Honda CR 250 now.

[@scottspecht6690]

Yeah man my Honda frame is very similar to your Suzuki

[@GooseBurt]

I just bought an aluminum Grumman canoe. I can’t wait to try this technique on it. Thanks!

[@kurtveldeman9291]

Did it work? Very curious to know 🙏

[@jerrylvega8446]

Thanks for during this video. Will try your technique for sure !

[@brasszippo]

Thanks for that mate ,, much appreciated

[@tonichecavalari5956]

Mother's is a great product . L used it on my dull aluminum mag wheels ( with an electric variable speed buffer ) and they looked almost brand new again ' it's great stuff ! 👍🇺🇸🙏

[@samgillum75]

Wow , that's crazy man Loved it

[@billyjacksimmons9947]

Just a note to restart this, it's great advice and it works great.

[@jquiznos2283]

Thank you. Was looking for something like this. I appreciate that a lot of KZbinrs have professional setups but this is more "average Joe" I'll give this a try. Cheers.

[@projectdirtbikes]

Thanks for the great feedback! Cheers to you as well!

[@rafaelarias1461]

Thank you, tried this on my 98 cr250. She shines now.

[@projectdirtbikes]

That's awesome! I'd love to see it... if you get the time would you be able to send me a picture on Instagram or my email?

[@chadmichalec3895]

What's it look like after a while tho?

[@quentinshimek367]

I bought a 1991 Honda Nighthawk cb750 with severe oxidation, and this technique is working fantastically well! Getting results much faster this way!

[@projectdirtbikes]

Awesome! So glad you’re getting good results!

[@normpatterson8958]

Thank you! What a great tip!

[@salami99]

Wd 40 Scotch brite is your friend (used on transmission repairs too) Polish BRASS brush! This can clean aluminum very easily!

[@rockman49er]

I've been using soft brass brush and this method is better imo

[@richardjones5936]

Thanks man, the pontoons on my boat after a month in salt water had barnicals and after cleaning that off The toons still look terrible and they used to shine, so I'm going to try this.

[@projectdirtbikes]

Awesome! I hope it works well for you! Would you be able to send me some pictures after you shine them up?

[@GrowLLLTigeRRR]

@@projectdirtbikes I'd like to see the result as well Richard Jones.

[@davidkeeton6716]

Polishing +- 50 feet by hand will wear out your arms from shoulder to finger tip I bet. But it will look great.

[@edyancy2805]

It should work great. With about $275 worth of the stuff ... ... ( Rough calculation) :-)

[@chuckredd9131]

Off the main subject a little, but may help with the barnacles. before making our 3000 mile trip every year I spray my car bumper, part of hood & back side of mirrors with WD-40. Bugs wash right off & no harm to paint.

[@perpedersen6226]

Thanks! Was looking for something to clean my old aluminium mast, and I tried several materials with bad results. But this one worked like a charm. ;)

[@projectdirtbikes]

Awesome! I’m glad it worked well for you!

[@billb6886]

Great video! I just polished a vintage aluminum ice bucket that is now ready to flip on eBay!

[@nickwinckler2255]

Will definitely try on a small sample pice of aluminum and if all is well I will take full scale and polish the pontoons on my 24 foot pontoon boat

[@razabazal4669]

I just learned something so simple that blew my mind. Screw all these bs expensive aluminum cleaners. Thank you for not only showing me how to conplete the job but to do it cheap. 👍👍👍

[@projectdirtbikes]

You're welcome and thank you for the great comment!

[@gregmonmaney6593]

Very impressive. Looks like chrome 🤩

[@chrissmith8026]

Works GREAT!!! I just tried and it works perfect!

[@projectdirtbikes]

Awesome! I’m glad it worked for you!

[@durley2067]

Hey thanks for the knowledge bud. Its amazing how some things take little effort to achieve what usually costs the most. Awesome video!

[@projectdirtbikes]

Your welcome, and thanks for the great comment!

[@mikerafonemusic6177]

They want to charge me $250. To vapor blast my xr75 motor..im gonna try this

[@maddawg4599]

WD-40 is a miracle invention. It took 40 tries to perfect it. I swear you can even brush your teeth with this stuff. It’s uses are endless. Try it on your plastics on your bike after a hard ride/race after you wash it. Takes those scratches right out.

[@davehelmick7395]

I haven't tried it on my teeth yet but it's an excellent ear wax remover

[@handsomerob7068]

Thank you! Restoring jalousie windows in an old trailer.. you made the job easy for me.

[@projectdirtbikes]

Awesome! It’s great to hear this kind of stuff in comments!

[@watersoilsun847]

Thats Gold, thanks for sharing, I will be employing that tomorrow.

[@projectdirtbikes]

You’re welcome! How did it go?

[@56rcb]

Way to go young man!!

[@projectdirtbikes]

Thanks!

[@chrisschmidt8182]

It works astonishingly super actuall verry little work and super effect. I cleaned up a C shaped Window Awning that was badley painted and to clean this for a paintjob would also have been a nightmare. First step take so about 85 % of the paintlayers of with aircraft paint remover leaves still a rest of the factory Kynar paint sprinkeld in smal dotts but the WD 40 and the scrub pad took it off in no time. Now that all is off it is its time to polish it. Looks then like an Airstream . Possible the only awning in Florida High polished and super shiney Was a super tip Best regards Chris Schmidt

[@projectdirtbikes]

That's awesome! I'm glad it worked so well for you! I would love for you to send me a picture if you have the time!

[@brentp51]

Loved this video!!! You saved me so much time and money. I was about to polish a bunch of stuff on my race karts. Yet to see a easier or cheaper way. Keep the awesome videos coming!!!

[@projectdirtbikes]

Thanks! Glad I could save you some time👍

[@drz400smguypessel9]

Thanks man! Just the answers I needed

[@rumien1383]

Well, that’s my Saturday afternoon sorted. Good job 👍🏻 👍🏻👍🏻

[@clintrumpl4589]

The Mothers polish is hands down the best aluminum polish I've used and I have tried numerous brands over the years. Excellent product.

[@Richardv24]

Have you tried blue magic polish cream. I have been getting great results

[@garyballard723]

Great job. Thanks for sharing.

[@kennydaniels6285]

Gotta say that’s a brilliant explanation on how to do it, well done🤣🤣🤣

[@rogeliosaldana9956]

Good job greetings from México

[@projectdirtbikes]

Thanks!

[@michaelproctor8645]

Used this method on my old aluminum wheels today and it did pretty darn good....thanks for the video. Keep up the good work.

[@projectdirtbikes]

Awesome!

[@Bagged.e38]

Does it keep the shiny look after a while ?

[@martinrempel3001]

@@Bagged.e38 id like to know as well I’m about to go try it on mine