Aluminium polishing issue

[scudo]

I have managed to get this part of a G4 polishing up nicely except for one part (image) The aluminium has markings which look crystalline in nature a bit like frost on a cold morning. Not the best image as difficult to show due to glare. Its like it is under the surface.

Anyone know what it is and how to get rid of it?

 

[human]

One word: sandpaper...

That oxidation is aluminum's equivalent to rust. You may need to start off with something like #200 and work your way up to say, #1,000 or even finer, Keep the sandpaper wet and switch directions 90 degrees each time you switch to a finer sandpaper.

For a quickie method, I use these cheapo scouring pads from the Dollar Tree (10-pack for $1.00) and polish with Mother's. They're far less abrasive than Scotch Brite pads and I manage to turn out a pretty decent, albeit not perfect, shine with a minimal expenditure of time and physical effort.

 

[scudo]

Thanks, Sand it out it shall be :-(
Only a small part so shouldn't take too long.

 

[lesinutah]

After

The 1000 grot get 2000 grit and wet sand it will help too. The g series aren't going to shine like older Kirby's. You will never get mirror shine.

 

[scudo]

..."The g series aren't going to shine like older Kirby's. You will never get mirror shine"......

Interesting you say that the 1st kirby I renovated a couple of years back was a Traditional and I got a fantastic finish on it. (since sold it) The G series I have been finding it difficult to get the same finish although still very good.

Is it a different quality of aluminium used? Although the factory finish always looks superb.

 

[madman]

You should be able to get a mirror shine out of just about any metal. Different metals or alloys of metals will *look* different, just in terms of the color of the metal. It is likely that more modern Kirby's will be a different alloy. Back in the day aluminum was virgin aluminum and nothing else. Now, it'll be recycled and have bit of different metals in it, magnesium usually. I think copper sometimes, not sure.

 

[lesinutah]

Its

Lightweight aluminum. They added a transmission on the g series so it's heavy. Kirby trying to cut weight it seems thinner lighter aluminum.
Im not sure how it's made but it's not the same process as pre g series.