Polishing aluminium frame ?

[RufusChucklebutty]

Any tips on how to mirror polish an aluminium MTB frame ?

I have a GT frame already stripped but not polished, and a couple of others that need stripping as well.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Simply strip the paint and polish with an abrasive polish such as Brasso or fancier commercial buffing compound.
You'll get a mirror finish, but it won't last. Aluminium quickly oxidises (and passivates) to a duller colour. To retain a mirror finish you'll have to apply clear lacquer (very quickly) or anodise it.

Keep in mind that some high-end frames are bead-blasted just before painting and should never be sandpapered. This destroys the compressive "skin" created by the bead blasting which strengthens the frame and guards against fatigue.

 

[I like Skol]

Polish it....

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/d...zaskar-le-update-upgrade-options.91262/page-3

 

[rogerzilla]

Cannondales have a lot of extrusion marks under the paint. It looks ok polished but to get to a true mirror finish would involve removing a lot of metal. Lacquer afterwards to prevent it going crusty from sweat/road salt.