View Full Version : polish an aluminum seatpost?
ispoke 03-11-2005, 08:53 AM I have a decent aluminum seatpost (no name) but it has a very dull finish. I'd like to shine it up so that it better matches my new shiny (retro) Nitto handlebars. You know how it was back in the day - when components were shiny, not black!
Before I get to work with the polishing paste, I'm wondering if the dull finish will simply brighten up - or if I should sand it first to "break up" that finish? If anyone's done this before, can you recommend a fine grit to start with? (There are no scratches or irregularities to worry about...)
Nearly all aluminum parts are anodized. This must be removed before polishing. Some have posted success using Easy-Off oven cleaner, which is a strong caustic. I've sanded anodize off, but it may take as coarse as 220 briefly, then switch to 320 or 400 to minimize the scratching. Always sand wet, using wet or dry silicon carbide sandpaper. Using a buffing wheel mounted in an electric drill is a lot quicker than hand polishing.
You can get everything you need at home depot.
www.swmetal.com
everydaybike 03-11-2005, 09:13 AM I have a decent aluminum seatpost (no name) but it has a very dull finish. I'd like to shine it up so that it better matches my new shiny (retro) Nitto handlebars. You know how it was back in the day - when components were shiny, not black!
Before I get to work with the polishing paste, I'm wondering if the dull finish will simply brighten up - or if I should sand it first to "break up" that finish? If anyone's done this before, can you recommend a fine grit to start with? (There are no scratches or irregularities to worry about...)
Her's a quick check to see if it's anodized...take any clean soft rag and apply a small amount of cleaner wax that you use for your car... if there is a black residue on the wrag after you rub, just use any good metal cleaner then apply a good coat of wax. IT will do fine. IF you really want ot make it shine, use the metal cleaner with a buffing wheel. IF you have a Dremel tool uou can use that. Does a great job!
jojoaist 03-11-2005, 09:33 AM If it is anodized, the Easy Off (yellow can) will do a great job removing it. :D
Dave Hickey 03-11-2005, 09:40 AM I have a decent aluminum seatpost (no name) but it has a very dull finish. I'd like to shine it up so that it better matches my new shiny (retro) Nitto handlebars. You know how it was back in the day - when components were shiny, not black!
Before I get to work with the polishing paste, I'm wondering if the dull finish will simply brighten up - or if I should sand it first to "break up" that finish? If anyone's done this before, can you recommend a fine grit to start with? (There are no scratches or irregularities to worry about...)
Here is everything you need to know:
http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=19274
BR549 03-11-2005, 01:58 PM 0000 steelwool with Mothers Mag /Metal cleaner/polish works great won't harm the parts I've been doing this for years . more time /more shine ,repeat
everydaybike 03-11-2005, 02:58 PM Here is everything you need to know:
http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=19274
Blue Magic is great... I use it all the time...
You shoud try it wit a buffing wheel!
Mirror finish!
austex 03-11-2005, 05:54 PM Just don't polish below the clamp line - doesn't show anyway and may cause (greased) post to slip.
Just remember to keep on polishing the seatpost. If not, it will oxidize. That's the only down side to doing it. But hey, it looks super cool. I've done this to my Shimano cranks an blinded many spinters in the last 300 meters (not really).
Crankist 03-14-2005, 07:38 AM I have a decent aluminum seatpost (no name) but it has a very dull finish. I'd like to shine it up so that it better matches my new shiny (retro) Nitto handlebars. You know how it was back in the day - when components were shiny, not black!
Before I get to work with the polishing paste, I'm wondering if the dull finish will simply brighten up - or if I should sand it first to "break up" that finish? If anyone's done this before, can you recommend a fine grit to start with? (There are no scratches or irregularities to worry about...)
Strip w/oven cleaner, sand gently starting with 320, work thru 600 or finer. Buff with a cotton wheel and rouge. Then drop it off at your local plating house, request clear anodize
in the next lot run. This'll save some bucks, but prepare to wait a week or two. Well
worth the few bucks to protect it and save on maintenance.
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