How to Polish Raw Magnesium and Aluminum

[@francisbrackney2061]

That is the absolute most beautiful 4.7 valve cover I have ever seen!

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, I appreciate that

[@snoopu2601]

Even before I started to watch the video I knew there was a lot of sanding involved. It REALLY looks good at the end results 👍🏽

[@krisnickfffs]

I just did an aluminum boat propeller with similar procedures as you show. After 2000 grit i used meguiars rubbing compound with micro fiber cloth then i followed it up with meguiars polishing compound, then turtle wax ceramic coating and it suprised the heck out of me. Using power tools would make it a heck of alot easier. I intend to get some polishing adapters for the drill.

[@KobusBreed]

I like your hard work. Thanks for not cutting out the part where the cloth caught fire. The 142 thumbs down on March 13, 2020 is a mystery to me. Kobus Pretoria, South Africa

[@tezzrterry7485]

A tip I found works well, mount the buffing pad in a drill press, so you can push against it, with both hands on the part. Less tiring than holding the drill.

[@snoopu2601]

Thanks for the tip 👍🏽

[@richardwolske2015]

Tezzr Terry , thanks 👍

[@halohunter5217]

Or, ya know, put a buffing wheel on the end of a grinder. That's what they're made for.

[@saltybmxer6977]

Great tip. Thank you.

[@bigtexas7580]

*This is great and your work is amazing. You have to ensure that your new polished valve covers never come in contact with any de-greaser or they will turn white, get cloudy and pitted again.*

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you. I'm glad you like it.. The main problem is that humidity will cause the finish to get cloudy looking. Luckily I live in a very dry climate.

[@vintagelugs1708]

You did a phenomenal job. Absolutely beautiful!

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, Alonso

[@robbiefrentz9427]

I did that to my motorcycle frame took a full week. But man it was worth it having a totally polished frame and swing arm... really set the zx9r off

[@edwardmulder3777]

The end result is awesome, beautiful showroom polish

[@steel7302]

being a long time metal finisher imma little jelly, awesome job

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you I appreciate that coming from a professional

[@johnnyb1776]

I polished the aluminum wheels on my 95 corvette and used some high temp ceramic coat, and they keep a shine with pretty much water from a hose pipe. Looks great!

[@martinbuilt]

Great idea I'm going to look into that, thank you

[@Miohunter444]

Man great job Martin, they look beautiful!!!!

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you!

[@softybits9543]

Great job! Looks beautiful. Every day is a school day, Thanks for the info.

[@Magnetron33]

That was amazing! I wouldn't have believed it possible. Thanks for sharing!

[@vegasheat71]

At first I wasn't sure about that getting to a polished state, but when you got it to the mirrored shine I became a believer. Awsome job! Definitely takes alot of patience.

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, yeah a lot of patience. Are you also from Vegas?

[@mrautomotif8996]

You’ve got some massive patience. Great work.

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mikelangieri6602]

I've polished aluminum and stainless steel parts for years, but admit this is a really great video for someone who hasn't done it before. Just a heads up, you can buy water sandpaper in super high grits like 5000 and 7000. Also, I have both a Dremel setup and a Foredom Flex Shaft Tool with the quick change handle heads, so I have a choice of collet fastening as well as a small gear chuck. And as others have said, using a larger buffing wheel on a drill press does give you a little more leverage and less chance of slipping the drill onto the polished surface. A dedicated electric buffer (floor standing) is a nice luxury too... I need to get one of those LOL. That towel fire and grounding is something I wasn't aware of so I learned something new. Your never too old or experienced to learn! Wonderful video here, keep them coming.-Mike

[@finallyitsed2191]

Martin, I know you have to be proud of those valve covers. What a beautiful job! I made the mistake of using a harsh wheel cleaner on my beautiful polished valve covers and now they look like they've been laying on the beach somewhere for about two years. It even ruined the finish on my anodised fuel line fittings. After watching your success, I'm going to see if I can copy your results and bring the valve covers back to life. Thanks man!

[@martinbuilt]

I'm quite confident you can bring them back to the Finish they used to have. Yes I'm pretty proud of them they actually turned out better than I thought they would

[@RedDragonDS]

Very nice video. Although I am quite familiar with aluminum polishing, I had no idea these dremel sanding brushes existed. Now I know how to approach more intricate shapes like my engine mounts, without lots of hours with sandpaper. Thanks a lot!

[@Kolonol1]

Im starting this right now...I'll let you know how it comes out...I did the first 2 Steps so far...I cleaned cleaned and cleaned some nore using diesel fuel and then purple power...it was ridiculously dirty...I then sanded off the edges...then it was time for supper... I'll add comments in here as I go through the steps...I have most of the same tools to use but I don't have an oscillating Sanding pad for my osilating tool...

[@Kolonol1]

A little comment i would like to add to the video...be careful with how hard you push because it takes off material a LOT faster than you would think...I'm going to have to go over and smooth out a few areas where I started out not expecting it to remove it so fast I need a way so bad

[@Kolonol1]

To update, I spent a little time straightening out the gouges I made when I started...got it sanded down and I have a few rough spots to work on... I ordered an 80 piece set of polishing wheels from amazon from the link...going to try and get one of those silicone carbide wheels too see how I lile them...if they don't work right for me I have something else to try...pulling an extra set of valve covers out of the junk yard next time I go too

[@gregj.gotham4402]

Martin i can’t believe how this worked out looks like a chromed job. Im going to look for a dodge 4.7 with these valve covers and try my best to get this look on my 4.7 jeep WJ. Great videos.

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you yeah it is a lot of work, you just need to be patient and maybe walk away from it a few times. after doing the first one I didn't do the second one for two months.

[@drost582]

Great warning. Know what material you are working with. Magnesium is a flammable metal. Great video, will help me with future project I have.

[@questioneverything6386]

@Buysome Bitcoin next time pour a little water on that magnesium fire & watch it grow. Water is the worst thing to use to extinguish mag fire.

[@peted5217]

Magnesium fires hard to extinguish. Dad/Son both burnt while working on VW eng case in their garage. Dad survived

[@greghubert4968]

Wow,I love it too,i was going to paint my covers,after watching this video I've changed my mind:) Thank you Martin for another great project

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, Greg!

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

set about 5-8 hours aside

[@rickseeman5679]

There's not many KZbin videos that I watch many times but this is one of them. Great tutorial. I'm doing aluminum today but I have a mag pair coming up. U B da man!

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you. I really appreciate that i'm glad you liked it and found it helpful. Thank you for watching it multiple times.😊

[@miguelfatman6066]

That looks magic, the before and after are unbelievable 👍👍👍👍

[@johanjoubert9881]

I don't know how anybody can give this video a thumbs down. Great job my friend, Thanks for taking the time to make this video

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, Johan

[@jw11432]

Side note: I assume you're aware of the propensity of these valve covers to leak, particularly around the back. I happen to have the thermoplastic covers on my 04, which I understand to be a bit better for avoiding leaks, and given that there is no official tightening sequence for the valve cover bolts, I was hopping you may be able to provide some insight on the best way to seal the VC's and prevent leaks. If anyone out there has done it, I am certain you've figured out a way to resolve this particular problem. :)

[@danielcarroll5667]

One of the best "how to" videos I've ever seen........thanks for being brave & concerned enough to include the fire hazard ! Saved someone's bacon no doubt ! Could'a been mine ! Any suggestions on a sealer for that beautiful shine ?

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, I really appreciate that. You could use this as a sealer. High Gloss Clearcoat Aerosol (2 PACK) amzn.to/2W0xrar

[@amarildooliver]

Hello friend, I live in Brazil, I have a Grand Cherokee limited 2004. Congratulations on your videos, your work was wonderful. Whenever I need to do something on my Cherokee I watch your videos. Thank you very much. Amarildo Oliveira

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you very much, Amarildo, I really appreciate that and thank you watching.

[@TheMetal750]

Looks amazing well done! I'm polishing a set of valve covers and intake manifold for a 1jz and I know how much work is needed!

[@kbtube8125]

there's a polish called WICKED here in so-cal. the truckers use it on their tanks. best I've found so far. made here too. great job on the valve cover.

[@RobWhittlestone]

Great technique. 1) Martin needs a dust extractor though 2) I wouldn't do this work near my cool black vehicle! 3) powdered magnesium is used in pyrotechnics = FIRE! 4) I would prefer it with less music. He has amazing skill and endless patience. Thank you for showing us!

[@robcbs1547]

It looks super. Back in the day early 60s A friend of mine had a 1940 Ford, it was a show car and it had a set of real magnesium wheels, hence the name mag wheels. He polished them himself and WOW they looked great. What really got to me was the feel of them. They didn't feel like metal, they felt really soft, more like velvet, it was strange to touch them. They were so soft.

[@martinbuilt]

Yeah that's a good description of the metal, I noticed it can scratch quite easily. When I polish it I have to use a very soft cloth if not you can see scratch marks on the surface.

[@cannarris]

Very nice work. I used to polish mag wheels... with 6 inch cotton polishing wheels mounted on a 2 hp 3500 rpm motor and a lot of jewellers rouge... they would come out like your valve cover.

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, Mike, they turned out even better then I expected.

[@josephgiustiniani2834]

Great job on the project. I have been polishing mag/alum parts for years. My only suggestion, { based on my own experience } is to do this outdoors. I already knew about the mag being flammable. BTW, magnesium fires can travel, and it does not look like a regular fire until it hits something like paper, or other flammables. You lucked out on the dust not migrating. But the dust from the mag or alum gets all over everything. And for me, the worst part is the buffing crap all over the place. It's all over your shop also. For some people, it's not even an issue. For me it is. I also noticed you wearing a respirator. That is a super great idea. Folks,.....all of this stuff is bad for your lungs. Protect yourself like this guy does. Money well spent. I also use Simichrome polish instead of Mothers. It's used a lot in the metal and jewelry industry. { it can be purchased at, of all places James Avery jewelers. Maybe buy your girl a nice piece while you're at it. Hey, they put up with us spending hours polishing metal parts, right....? }

[@c.thompson6638]

Smart post. Much appreciated. All points are well taken.

[@JF32304]

I'm about to embark on a Jeep build. 2004 HO with the select-Trac transfer case and 4 inch long arm lift. Excellent work! Looks beautiful!

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, I which my Jeep had the HO engine.

[@cvcoco]

Really nice work. To remove the black on such parts, i rub with flour or corn starch or similar and then the shine really comes.

[@joebehanna5894]

Really informative I'm currently polishing the heads and timing & kicker housing on my old shovelhead. I can use this information, thank you. Keep the videos coming .

[@moonrocktank7771]

Love how amazing they look, great work Martin! Keep the videos coming!

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you!

[@elmandracula]

Stunning result man! Thx for sharing such a video. Great job.

[@scottclegg9487]

Watching that magnesium dust flash like that and your reaction was maybe the best thing i have seen on youtube!! Great lesson for me too! Thanks for sharing that....

[@martinbuilt]

Yeah that sure surprised the heck out of me. I thought it best to leave it in the video because I wanted other people to see the dangers of polishing magnesium.

[@DANEMSPRINGER]

You are a rock star Martin! I personally don't have the patience for all that work, definitely commend you sir in a job well done... im thinking blasting and powder coat.

[@martinbuilt]

Lol... Thank you Dane! It was a lot of work, but happy with the results. Yes sanding blasting and powder coating would have be easier but not the same look. If you do a color match to the vehicle color that would be cool.

[@drgoff11]

I agree with Mel. All that work and nothing ever said about preserving that shine!

[@martinbuilt]

Here is one of the best cleaner and polishers out there. This will help is preserving the finish. Metal Polish Simichrome Polish amzn.to/3bjTCwL

[@maxxmasson4263]

very impressive work ,how can 54 idiots give it a thumbs down is beyond me

[@nxcove]

unfortunatly 56 now... I don't understand either...

[@rigomartinez8252]

@@nxcove 90 now. lol

[@johhno9331]

It was way too hard for them to do. Cheers Just John

[@craigpennington1251]

By the music used. It will make it or break it.

[@edward-x3s6f]

Maxx Masson simply just idiots!

[@nickaxe771]

Hi Martin...Nick in the UK.....WOW.....stunning mate....Got a brand triumph motor cycle....has brushed alloy engine covers...look ok.....but look great polished as in old school.....thats going to be a project for the future now I have watched you polishing vid.....great work....subscribed as well. Going to look back on your other vids.....I like your presentations style.

[@Vertigoneardeath]

You can even see the reflection of the camera used to record the video. Great Job!

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, I really appreciate that.😎

[@basberger5921]

Very nice video, lots of details, lots of tips and tricks and not to forget the sound level is great too. I wish more channels and diy videos would follow your way.

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@BucksSuperStereoWorld]

Damn man...those valve covers came out fantastic! I've polished aluminum valve covers before mostly by hand and it is extremely hard and very time consuming work. You've got some really handy tools because getting down into the tight corners is the hard part.

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, yeah even with all the tools I probably spent 20 hours a piece on each one.

[@melfrank8379]

I remember having an old Yamaha, they must have clear coated the aluminum on the covers because after so many years it would start coming off, but it did keep the covers from oxidizing and they would stay shiny where the case was just a more dull cast compared to the side covers and did not have a clear coat. After all that work I would have to do a clear coat or oxidation and the environment of the engine compartment would soon destroy the chrome like look.

[@VetteJoe]

Hi Martin.... All of your Videos are Awesome! Thanks for taking the time in doing these step by step instructions!

[@the1songwriter]

Many thanks for a brilliant and thorough tutorial! It was not only educational, but a very enjoyable video as well. Also, utterly relished the background rock and metal music (would love to have a list of the tracks and performers, if possible). I seldom leave comments and even more rarely subscribe. Here I'm doing both. Looking forward to more of your content. Cheers!

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you very much I appreciate that, I will have to go through the video and see if I can figure out the music I got it all from KZbin Library. Coincidentally I started listing the music in the description but only did that on my last video I put out. I will be listing it in the future. Thanks again !

[@THX..1138]

Purple power and similar soaps at full strength attack metals like aluminum and magnesium. For degreasing try cheap powdered laundry detergent. It works great as parts/engine compartment degreaser. It doesn't attack metals no matter how concentrated. At about a cup to a gallon of water it beats just about everything and at a fraction of the cost.

[@ValladolidArde]

thanks bro

[@daviddaniels6818]

none concentrated oven cleaner will dissolve aluminum

[@arealassassin]

@@daviddaniels6818 but if you work quickly it's great for cylinder heads and alu engine blocks- removes the baked-on oiol varnish!

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

when you are trying to polish you want something that attacks aluminum and magnesium,its kind of the fucking point.....

[@THX..1138]

@@trillrifaxegrindor4411 Clean metal good, etched metal bad.

[@Moparmaga-1]

Way to go. Nothing like paying attention to detail, I love doing the same. I have a set of mopar performance black wrinkle finish valve covers for my big block I plan on polishing them out .

[@martinbuilt]

I had the same valve covers for my 440.

[@Moparmaga-1]

@@martinbuilt sweet. Yeah I'm building a 471 stroker from a 400 block. For use in a street / strip 70 dart swinger.

[@francisbrackney2061]

My brother polished the rocker boxes on his 1200 shovelhead Harley Davidson, first by wet sanding with 400, 600,1000 grit and then polished them with Mother's. Took about a week for the entire job, with cleaning, diss assembly, and reassembly.

[@martinbuilt]

yeah it takes forever, I had to take a 2 month break between covers

[@dannynoel993]

That's art. Thank you

[@richardwolske2015]

Great clip ! Loved the flash and your honesty!

[@martinbuilt]

Yeah, I felt it was important to leave that clip in there I wouldn't want anybody to get hurt or burn their house down.. it could have ended up much worse that's for sure.

[@100amps]

Nicely done, sir. That was gratifying to watch. Now for the heads, block, manifolds, carb, alternator, pulleys, etc... waiting for that video. 😎

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, was thinking about the timing cover might be next.

[@michaelperham694]

Good video bottom-line the smoother you get it the better it's going to look got to knockout them casting marks and make it smooth it's actually two minutes of polishing and 3 hours getting rid of casting marks

[@martinbuilt]

Yeah that is definitely the hard part is getting rid of all the casting marks and just getting down to the solid part of the metal.

[@johndavey72]

Hi Martin, yes l've just done my "e"type cam covers and carb's (English car with triple SU's) There's only two things you need patience and more patience! I've used a product called Solvol Autosol for over 55years. I think it originates from Germany. My father used to make me do all the chrome and engine fittings on his Jaguar Mk2 when l was 12years old and if l missed a bit...look out! Those Dremel fittings look mighty handy. Thanks Martin. Take care and stay safe.

[@martinbuilt]

Thanks for sharing, I'll look into that Solvol Autosol

[@thedude4632]

Beings child of the 50-60 that music drives me crazy . But your content was excellent

[@0shiny1]

Good job Martin, you have to have a lot of patience for this. One thing I could've said to you that could help is to use a lubricating oil when sanding back (WD40 or anything similar), it helps a lot with cooling the surface and actually improves the rate of surface removal, it also helps to leave a better surface before the pre-polishing processes. Hope I'm not being patronising, I've been a full time professional metal polisher for over 25 years (google my name you should find my site). I've never seen a fire from static charge before... shocking! I do get a lot of static shocks myself lol.

[@martinbuilt]

Thanks for the input Gavin, nice to hear from the professionals. I like doing it as a hobby I don't think I could do it as a living I get burned out on it pretty fast. I did the first valve cover and then had enough and didn't do the second one for like 2 months. Next time I'll give that WD-40 I try, thank you, Martin

[@0shiny1]

@@martinbuilt Thanks Martin, believe it or not I still learn new methods even after 25 years. If I wrote a book on metal polishing it would be a huge book leading down a lot of rabbit holes as there are so many ways to skin a cat depending on what equipment is available to you and of course so many mixes of metals, they all react differently. You did a great job with the prep work, I always tell customers that prep is 80-90% of the work. If the prep isn't done properly the final polishing will never be right. Keep up the good work mate. All the best from the UK.

[@ODGColornChrome]

Wow! Thanks for the mistake portion as well as the overall. I had noieeaa little spark would cause that. I knew magnesium is flammable but wow. Glad you're ok.

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, Darren, yeah that surprised the heck out of me. Good thing it was only a flash fire and didn't catch the shop on fire.

[@LZDEN]

first class work Martin,amazing finish well done.

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you!

[@smidattila5833]

Beautiful job bro.......Really nice!! I learned from you! I have never used a steel wool! Thamks for the video.....Welcome from Hungary :)

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@net3ap]

Great JOB and thanks for the share your knowledge.

[@chucksprinkle1328]

Nice I’ve been buffing for 30 plus years try a Deburring wheel than you can skip the sandpaper keep up the good work 👍

[@lt5018]

Can u recommend a brand or a link for this deburring wheel?

[@ronbrown2770]

That German pine polishes out nice. It doesn't take much to ignite fine particles of it as you found out.

[@Thunderbyrd.]

I've used this same process on the a/c and fuel metal lines and fittings in the engine bay of my truck. Looks amazing an expensive, show quality for sure. Made them look like chrome. Sanding and the Mothers metal polish is the key.

[@thegametown1584]

I've polished a magnesium clutch plate on my yz250 and it was beautiful and you could see yourself in it. 4 days later it turned all white like a white rust. It came in no contact with water either.

[@martinbuilt]

You must live in a pretty humid climate. I live in the Southwest US very dry and these covers look almost as good as the day I polished them.

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

I was glad to see the oscillating sander come out, I was beginning to think this was going to be a long video ... !

[@greedo50273]

I never knew Harrison Ford did awesome car repair/maintenance/modding KZbin videos :-) .

[@martinbuilt]

Lol...sometimes Bob Ross shows up and shows you how to do amazing artwork on his engine. Thank you.

[@greedo50273]

@@martinbuilt Actually, I was going to say Bob Ross at first, but you struck me more of a Harrison Ford in "The Fugitive" type :-) ... regardless sir, great videos ... I'm a subscriber now! :-)

[@Danny_Wolfe]

EXCELLENT and very impressive work!! Did you CLEAR COAT the covers? How did they look after a substantial amount of time passing? Do they turn dark again? I am trying to polish BMW Magnesium covers. They are much more rough than what you started with....thanks again for your help and wonderful work!!

[@aumetalmental8403]

Sweet video. I was just wondering about the process for a project I have planned. 😎✌

[@bryantwalker4493]

You are pretty good at what you do

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you glad you liked it.

[@richwilson7017]

Thanks for the tip Martin I scored some magnesium valve covers from my pull a part in Indianapolis. $14. But I tell you what I got one off an older Dakota and the other one actually came off an 07 Ram but it is magnesium. they went to the plastic and then back to the magnesium unless this guy had redone his head. I find it interesting since I spend a lot of time looking at a 4.7 L. Thanks again for the video I will try not to catch my garage on fire. Lol.

[@martinbuilt]

Sounds like the previous owner had replaced the covers. Have fun with that and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

[@delonthompson2527]

Beautiful.......i respect your hard work

[@WERKN]

amazing video...appreciate the step by step walk-through...definitely learned a couple things from this video...thank you!

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you. I really appreciate that i'm glad you liked it and found it helpful.

[@freddykugr]

great job Martin, thanks for sharing, i used to buff and polish aluminum, using sandpapers like the bodyshops to smooth down to fine finish ,then buffingwheels and gritbars , when perfected i cleaned and finalbuffed with NEVERDULL its a rolled cotton with cornstarch wet with mineral spirits , handbuffed and cleaned to mirror finish, and now i wonder if the F11 type of protectants would hold like on highend car paints , i think it would again great looking work Martin God Bless my friend

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, I have that Neverdull but have never tried it. Will be taking the cover off soon to adjust lifters, will give that a try then.

[@JL-dz8sj]

Going to be doing this to an M50tu valvecover, thank you!

[@martinbuilt]

That would look great on the BMW.

[@josefelix4152]

Awesome! I had some magnesium wheels on my Monte Carlo and I couldn't get a polish finish on them I didn't know how so I ended painting them lol but I wish I would of seen this video 8 years ago

[@thetoko4870]

Thanks to show me the process!!! Now I jus need to buy all the tools!!!😄😄😄 Beautiful job bro!!! Congrats!!!

[@oldschoolcars3318]

Thanks so much for a thorough job of explaining your process and steps. the links to the products are helpful. We look forward to supporting your channel by using them. S

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, Glad I could help.

[@steveandstaciepoythress4204]

Incredible! What can be used as a top coat, to prevent the polished finish from turning dull?

[@pallasathena55]

Love how that turned out. My question if you have time, is will the mirror finish last or will it tarnish and need polishing every year? I polished the alu rocker cover on my '68 Citroen but not to a mirror finish and I reckon it will oxidise and look cloudy in a year (I live in Scotland so it's less dry here). Great work though - inspiring, even the flames!

[@1995RangeRover]

I agree! Clear coat it with hi temp automotive clear paint. The shine will last for years!

[@vvogt4252]

Super Nice! Never Thought a Mirror finish could be achieved from what you started with. Thanks for all the Information.

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, actually I didn't think I'd get it to look that good either.

[@volvovalor8051]

Preservation is the main question here. For protecting under the hood aluminium cast parts. Wouldn't it be better to paint? Is this a durability tradeoff for having great looks?

[@timwaltman7890]

If i could like this more then 1 time id keep hitting the like button. Just subscribed as well new to this and did a port polish job on my intake manifold did a lot of search without having to look at so many videos and etc. Just to piece what i needed with the dremel and other tools i actually used almost what u hand put for link minus some b/c of being unsure but u sir have confirmed that the tools u used work great thank u very much for this very informative video greatly appreciated it

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you Tim I really appreciate that.

[@AwesomeFinish]

Excellent job! Couldn't have gotten it better looking myself!

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, I appreciate that.

[@tantrictriathlete]

Great video. Glad I found it. I’m interested in polishing the baked on water spots on areas of my engine. I’m hoping I can use parts of this process to buff them out. Isn’t seem to do it by hand since some of the areas are so tight it requires a small wheel.

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, yeah I'm planning on polishing the timing cover for this engine as well and it has many tight spots it'll be a lot of work.

[@Engine_biulds]

I'm just seeing this, I'm interested in the type of dremel you used

[@stevewalker9888]

Dude I just have shared and watched with extreme attention. , thanks for sharing. Stay safe

[@acumenautomotive2276]

Impressive results sir you make it look easy...your mag fire was scary...I have an old motorcycle engine case in poor shape, I think your technique will bring it back...kind regards

[@TerryMasri]

Looks nice! I never worked with magnesium but I did a similar thing with black painted aluminum roof rails on my '02 Grand Vitara. Uninstalled (duh), stripped with paint stripper, progressive sanding, buffing, polishing... the whole bit. They turned out quite nice after long hours over many days, looking like custom chrome roof rails. WORD OF CAUTION! Aluminum, and I'm assuming Zinc, are relatively soft metals. The fact that you can polish them to a mirror finish means they can just as easily get all scratched-up and foggy looking with use quite quickly. If it's an item that is subject to wear & tear s.a. roof rails on an SUV, you might wanna think twice 'bout putting in all the time and hard work to achieve that coveted mirror shine, only to watch your hard work go down the drain in a relatively short time.

[@basketballhighlights3005]

Great job brother the insight into the static flame was great to thankyou for shearing this information

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you. I'm glad you liked it.

[@AUGRaijin]

Great video there , but you forgot a step, my question here is you have taken the valve cover from used and neglected state to that of a high luster finished buffed show room state, but what do you use to seal the Magnesium to prevent it from going Grey in 2-3 months time from natural oxidation,

[@Nikola__K]

You should have also clear coated it to stop it from oxidation maybe. But the clear coat can also change collor over time as well, wonder what lasts longer.

[@jolllyroger1]

Bead blast with steel balls that will pound the rough surface to shine... that fire was way cool did you get any dings throwing it to the floor..... really nice job

[@edwardzamorski3711]

I don't have the sanding tools or time to do this but they sure look great like polished chrome.

[@peted5217]

Best to pay craftsman. This is a learned skill requiring lotsa time to learn and lotsa specifc tools

[@gbhoday7160]

I need to do the same to my aluminium cam covers. This is the most comprehensive video I've found detailing the process. I tried to buy the rotary sanding disks from your amazon affiliate links but unfortunately the products you link are not available in the UK. If you change them to one's that are, I'll be more than happy to send a few $ your way. Thanks once again :-D

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you appreciate it. Yeah I need to get my Amazon affiliate setup for the UK as well.

[@gbhoday7160]

martinbuilt let me know when you do. I need to buy dremel bits anyway.

[@matthewbim10]

Great attitude, great music, GREAT JOB!

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, thank you, thank you.😊

[@johnhunt2388]

That is amazing how you got that, you must have a lot of patience.

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, John, after I did the first valve cover I took a 2-month break before doing the other one, it does burn you out and almost literally.