Reynolds Metals

How can I achieve a high shine finish on cast aluminium?

For a furniture piece I am making, I want my cast aluminium components to have a high shine finish to them. I am not sure how to achieve this finish, if using some kind of polish or lacquer would be involved. Any information about the process would be very welcome...

Public Comments

1. I think you just have to polish the crap out of it.
2. try brasso!!!
3. It's actually quite difficult to get a perfect mirror shine in CAST aluminium. Best advice is work down in varying grits (grades) of emery paper, wire wool and even the green abrasive pads (wet). Then onto highly abrasive polishes (brasso / cutting compound) and finally finish with a high speed cotton 'mop' on a buff / drill with a super fine polishing soap. Then degrease (don't touch afterwards with your fingers) and laquer to maintain the finish.
4. I'm sure you may find these sources extremely helpful as I did! I used these sources to get a 'chrome' finish on cast aluminum. Wet sanding does wonders if done properly. The sources I provided are specifically on polishing cast aluminum valve covers, but I am almost positive since we're both talking about cast aluminum here.. these sources shall suffice.
5. Buy or rent a power buffer and use a polishing compound or jeweler's rouge. Also use a soft cloth buffing wheel on the buffer.. It may take some time, but it is a lot faster than doing it by hand. good luck