How To Sand And Polish Steel Rim To Mirror Finish

[@emanueltoma8945]

I've got a spare set of steel wheels, painted in black, sitting in my garage. Yesterday I've just came across your video and a new project is already on the way. Thanks for this video! I'll get a mirror set of wheels soon :D

[@ralph9987]

Looks great What protective coat / layer did you apply to stop it from rusting again?

[@jasonowen4073]

Mabey rust bullet clear it's great on bare metal

[@gazoodags2683]

how much does it last? @@jasonowen4073

[@Sithikus]

Great job looks great.. your orbital sander sure looks like a drill though

[@zackk695]

It’s a great feeling to take anything and just make it look new. Even if it cost more it’s nice to do and hard work can be relaxing. This job turned out great.

[@ISEEORBS]

Where you purchase that orbital sanding electric drill there bud

[@derekrunyan983]

Perfectly made video. Thank you. I know how to do this but it's still satisfying to watch these, very calming.

[@pcdetail602]

Is there a different sanding cone or something for very complex spot on wheel that are not this easy to assess?

[@Crazywaffle5150]

Would you recomend a clear coat to protect it?

[@SkillsandTrade]

Yes, I would

[@andrewoldfield3012]

Wouldn’t clear coat just peal of being it’s polished?

[@garyr7027]

I know it takes some work, and this is just one wheel of 4, but this is imo a good method. I'm amazed how good you got that wheel it looks really good like chrome, hats off to ya. I'm seriously considering doing this to the used wheels I bought for my truck... after I discard the ruff looking wheel clad skins on em. Will probably need a new drill when I'm done though. Lol

[@SkillsandTrade]

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Best of luck on your wheels.

[@masklethiba4970]

Can you do this with the tires on? May i should start with my spare wheel first

[@SkillsandTrade]

You should probably take the tire off to be safe. However if your careful you can probably leave the tire.

[@stephenprice6006]

Looks fantastic how do you stop it from rusting

[@PAMBIHIRATVFACTS]

What a great video....BTw how would maintain that shine...thnx bro

[@davewooly6434]

Really want to see a pic or vid of one after clear coats applied

[@504CreoleCrystal]

I’m thinking about doing this to my steel Chevy rims, but they’re powder coated so I know I’d have to sand all that off 1st. I noticed at the beginning when you were sanding they looked painted? Also you say steel and aluminum when referring to the wheel. Is the process the same for either metal?

[@SkillsandTrade]

Yes, that was a mistake on my end. Yes, the process is the same.

[@504CreoleCrystal]

Skills and Trade Thank you so much for responding 👍🏼👌🏼

[@SkillsandTrade]

No problem

[@uniculCSM]

Hello, great job with the wheels! After polishing them, how do you treat them, because bare metal like that is prone to rust!

[@SkillsandTrade]

Thanks, I would use some sealant to help protect them

[@fernglez60]

What sealant do you suggest. Would you 2k clear coat it?

[@knud9eri]

Now that the rim is fully exposed, will it not be more Susceptible for rust to form? Would you Then need to coat it with a protective layer? Do you think a coat of transparent nail polish wil work :-/

[@SkillsandTrade]

Yes, you should clear coat it afterward to prevent rust. I'm not sure about the nail polish.

[@happyafro]

I am in the UK and we get more rain! After the polish what would you use to prevent rust from returning? Is there a lacquer or varnish maybe? Thanks

[@svetko05]

Ordinary clear lacquer would flake off in a matter of weeks. A better idea would be clear powder coat which is a lot tougher. I was thinking of something that might be the best but i haven't heard of people trying it. That is clear epoxy coating, which after applying can be polished again to even more shiny finish.

[@The_Joker_]

lard 477 Car wax will do, I polished steel wheels 4 years ago, still no rust. I’m from Ireland so yeah rain test passed

[@Dave1979z]

What can I use for sealant to prevent rust???

[@limefarmer]

I'm sure you could use clear coat

[@jeremy_coste]

Awesome ! I've read it's not recommanded to use steel wool because of corrosion that could appear. What's your toughts on this ? Thank you

[@markbrenneman5219]

In terms of grits and reduction of visible scratches: Would there be any significant benefit in using 600, 1000, and 1200 grit paper in addition to the grits mentioned in the video? Also (going above and beyond) would 2000, 3000 and 5000 grits (as seen in your polishing zinc video) be worth the extra effort and expense to achieve the most convincing "chrome-like" effect for steel wheels? The wheels I plan on experimenting with are primarily a very simple, concave "dish" - unlike the wheel in your demo. (Mine are a 60s-70s Old School "cheapo" aftermarket steel slotted wheels.) So I wouldn't have as much of an irregular surface to try to maneuver my drill and sanding discs. But the possible downside might be that my less obstructed surface may be less forgiving in terms hiding scratches. That's where I thought the additional steps/grits MIGHT give a much smoother reflection. Any thoughts - or am I just overthinking the effort for the best possible result? Thanks for your valuable post. Your tips might save me a small fortune as to avoid paying for chrome plating!

[@spectreplayer3231]

using 600-1200, wont really affect because you are going to end up with 1500, so its not worth the time and effort of using that many intermediate grains, what you said about going for 2000 and above might help in making it even more chrome looking because it will be a more polished finished but, with 1500 you are pretty good to go and use polishing on it and will look really good

[@ghiblinerd6196]

How long did it take you to do all 4?

[@The_Joker_]

Nice job 👌 Polish and sunshine don’t mix though.

[@ralphbenites1312]

Wow 🤩 asome rim

[@brandoncaldwell95]

Wow, that looks great. How did you get deep down into the seem? I came across this after getting tired of searching for rims for my dually. Don't want to drop 2000 for the factory alcoas, so im hppy to find this.

[@oddball0022]

I'm actually in the same boat, for my dually the only wheels that don't require modification are a set of 10 lug adapter alcoas and I don't have that kinda money. I'm thinking I'll go with this one. Also if you haven't done this already maybe just some actual sandpaper would work for that?

[@brandoncaldwell95]

@@oddball0022 I have yet to do this on the rims, but i have everything. Just between work, now unemployed, but other things going on. Just dont want a truck down as i have the tire off to do this or 1 polished and 3 not. I did do this to a CB bracket i made for in the cab though. It took a long while for the tight corners, but i made it work by hand. Just tedious is all. It's been holding up extremely well for the last 4 months and many days of open windows. I know what you mean. I find those guys with the 10 lug adapters and wanting crazy money. I'm not rich, or do i want to spend $2k for factory take offs. I will battling pitting on my steel wheels just another reason to why i have yet to do this. Just in case, i do have matte paint ready.

[@rasmus9442]

Guys, how about clear coating? Thinking about doing this in the summer since i think it seriously looks better than alot of rims out there, and obviously much cheaper. Cheers

[@phillmat5079]

Black rim with mirror finish lip may be a cool project.

[@axelvazquez8941]

Once you polish the rim, how long does it last with out getting rust?

[@galihargo6997]

Very good and clear explanation you might wanna up your editing but overall its a very good video man, keep up the good work

[@SkillsandTrade]

+Galih Argo Thanks. I appreciate it. Glad you liked it.

[@adkenzo]

Great job

[@JohnDoe-bk4ci]

How would you get rid of the scratches left from sanding?

[@andreas_reyes]

Lower and lower and lower grits, polishing with a cutting wheel like used on semis would give you a non scratched mirror finish.

[@tonygoshive785]

That’s is a crazy looking shiny steel wheel, I wondered if this could be done and searched on KZbin, maybe a stupid question but won’t polished steel still rust over time?

[@reaper110588]

Nice can’t wait to try this

[@martokisful]

Awesome work and vid, quality content, keep the work!

[@Akwardturtle]

I may do this next year. Dwf wanna paint mine 1st.

[@stillon360]

Would this technique work with an oem steel rim that i assume was painted black from the factory? Or would there be another step involved to strip the paint?

[@SkillsandTrade]

+Still Playin 360 It should work. Perhaps some paint thinner would help strip thea paint.

[@stillon360]

Cool thank you for the tip! I hope to do this project someday, such sheen on steel wheels isn't something you see too often.

[@SkillsandTrade]

+Still Playin 360 Your welcome. I wish you the best of luck on your future product.

[@SvoBrianRobles]

Can this be done to Honda Civic steelies that are painted black? By just stripping down to bare metal??

[@percival3830]

Good stuff, I learned a lot. Thank you.

[@dienamend9413]

Great video

[@levrone0075]

If you sneeze on that it will rust, how do you protect it?

[@pkmnmaster]

Wouldn’t the steel wool introduce new scratches??

[@emanueltoma8945]

No because is the Super fine grade which is designed for the last process of polishing. They are graded similar sandpaper's grit. I guess these are the terms. Hope this helps!

[@terryknox6863]

You polish glass with steel wool so I'm sure the steel will be ok 😀

[@wackodcs]

Where can i buy those backing pads?

[@SkillsandTrade]

I have links to everything I used in my video in my description if your interested

[@KECIKKCHANNEL]

what if i sand use hand ? i know it do more work if use hand but did it still get like what you do ?

[@SkillsandTrade]

Eventually you'll get a mirror finish doing it by hand, but it will be alot of work

[@hshsnshhs7382]

How do you stop it rusting again?

[@codyramos3200]

Clear coat I would assume

[@wackodcs]

Where do you get your materials?

[@SkillsandTrade]

Amazon mainly. I love Amazon. So convenient

[@michaelloyd1773]

Nice !

[@JackRabbit72380]

Are they steel or aluminum I'm confused?

[@derekrunyan983]

Steel. Stock steel wheels.

[@juicyj8402]

what about rusting? im doing something similar but only to the lip of the wheel, and what im encountering is rust.

[@SkillsandTrade]

You should be able to sand away the rust. Be sure and use some WD-40, or perhaps some Dry Coat Preventative Rust Spray to stop reoccurring rust.

[@juicyj8402]

okay, so use some dry coat prevent. According to google touch up every year with dry coat prevent? thanks for the response. Is there a more long term solution to it? I also have a set of chrome wheels that are starting to flake. what would you recommend as an easier removal of it besides using my abrasive sponge rust stripping wheel?

[@agahcakr400]

Things are not as easy as you see in the video ,I saw this video and started on my rusty rims,first I removed the old paint and rust by wire brushes in 2 hours, then I started sanding by 220,240,320 and 400 grits.Sanding up to 400 grits took 2 hours now I have half mirror like shine on my rims,and I will go on up to 2000 grits.

[@auntbarbara5576]

Aunt Barbara adores you!

[@Nimbus.]

so fire

[@hectic7337]

I just tried this step by hand on a Goped wheel , looks so flat smh

[@bananainyourhand]

i like your voice

[@momentoffaith2735]

A love connection ???

[@jayrider9240]

I'd that a drill??

[@danegrossnickle2550]

By orbital disc sander, you mean a standard drill thats not orbital by any means, and a disc attachment

[@SkillsandTrade]

Yes, made a mistake with the terms. It is a hook it pad by 3m.

[@phillmat5079]

Steel rim? Protect the polished one with clearcoat to avoid rust.

[@Bull1the1Great]

and now you can paint it XD

[@gimmedap]

You think this method would work on my grandpa’s steel tanker desk?

[@SkillsandTrade]

Yes, I would think so

[@jeffnations6649]

That rim is basically new. I have rust in my rims

[@zaidchalabi1599]

it will rust again

[@holeshot1721]

Wow you just did magic! 🪄

[@malcsurfleet3888]

How do you stop it rusting

[@codyramos3200]

Clear coat of some kind .