The shine found on new aluminum wheels quickly fades when subjected to rain, brake dust and grease. Restoring faded aluminum wheels to a like-new shine requires the use of multiple buffing compounds, each with a different grit. Rougher-grit compounds remove the dull coating and smooth out the surface of the aluminum. Finer-grit compounds work to remove scratches and provide an even shine to the surface of the aluminum wheel.
Apply aluminum cleaner to the surface of a wheel with a rag. Wet a stiff bristled brush with clean water. Scrub the wheel with the wet brush. Rinse the wheel with clean water. Wipe the wheel dry with a clean, dry rag.
Attach a stiff buffing wheel to an electric buffer. Apply abrasive buffing compound to the buffing wheel. Buff the entire surface of the alluminum wheel. Continue buffing until the wheel has an even texture. Wipe the buffing residue from the wheel with a clean rag.
Replace the stiff buffing wheel with a medium buffing wheel. Load the buffing wheel with mild buffing compound. Alternate the speed of the electric buffer as you shine the wheel. Remove the mild buffing compound from the wheel with a clean rag. Inspect the surface of the wheel for swirl marks and scratches. If scratches remain on the wheel, buff the wheel a second time with mild buffing compound.
Secure a soft buffing wheel to the electric buffer. Load the buffing wheel with fine buffing compound. Buff the entire surface of the aluminum wheel. Wipe the compound from the wheel with a clean rag. Examine the surface of the wheel. Buff the wheel a second time with fine buffing compound if you notice swirl marks on the aluminum.
Apply aluminum polish to the wheel. Vigorously wipe the wheel with a clean rag to polish the wheel to a like-new shine.
