What to use to keep aluminum looking nice.
 

I have an autorad setup for my car and the more I think about it. The more I want to keep the raw aluminum look. What is best to keep the aluminum looking nice?

I used some stuff called Sharkhide. It worked well on my Weld draglites, way better than just polish alone. I think you can get it at marinas and boat supply places. It has been a few years since I used it and I think I bought it at the place that winterized my waverunners, but I am sure a quick google search will be way quicker. That raw aluminum will be a good look I think, might as well show off those pretty pieces!

You could use clear coat over it. Use a matte clear.

For aluminum & stainless I prefer a product called "Auto Wenol" it is in paste form like tooth paste. A very small amount goes a long ways. I do a lot of aluminum & stainless restoration and this is the best product I have found. This is not for restoring the finish but to keep it looking brilliant. I purchase it from Tar Heel parts (buffing/polishing supplier). Tim john---

Sharkhide ---- but only AFTER it's polished to where you want it... or put it on when the piece (radiator) is brand new! I use it on the rig - and many big rig guys with tons of polished aluminum use it to keep the stuff bright and shinning. It's expensive - but a little goes a long way.

It will NOT polish the pieces - and will dull them just a bit - so if you want perfect super polished show quality --- then don't use this - or at the very least TEST IT on something before you apply. It's a PROTECTANT not a polish.


http://www.sharkhide.com/

Yea I want a protectant, not a polish. Nothing shiny on this car, it's all brushed or just satin finish. I'm looking at a company called Shine Seal (former founder/owner of Zoop Seal). Looks like another solid option.

I just want to keep it from hazing/fading.

Thanks for the question as I've been wondering what to use as well, but for a slightly different reason. My intake is painted orange and I'm going to get it bead blasted back to aluminum look and I'd like to keep it from getting dull.

Now I can look at your suggestions and also check if they can handle heat.

Thanks

i would send it down to jet hot and have it coated....i believe they can do silver and black. media blast will leave it porous and dull looking.

I have used Sharkhide on the pontoons on my pontoon boat and Shine Seal on the billet wheels currently on my car. Both do pretty much the same thing, I think Sharkhide dulls the finish a bit more than Sharkhide but not much different.

Sharkhide comes in a single large bottle that will cover way more than you'll ever need to cover. The Shine seal comes in a kit of 4 different bottles. You won't go wrong with either.

Lance,

How does the ShineSeal do regarding rain and brake dust on the wheels? I have heard that brake dust and rain make a very hard combination to get off of polished aluminum wheels. I have a brand new set of big (16x12 and 16x14) Real wheels for the CP car, and I would like to protect them with something that will hold off the brake dust/rain mess.

Thanks!!

I got Shineseal on order. I'll take some pics as I apply when it arrives.

Thanks,
William

The shine seal did VERY well in all regards. I raced it in the rain, with brake dust on the wheels and left it for a couple of weeks before cleaning them...and it cleaned right off.

It makes driving with billet wheels livable for sure.

I used some brand new cloth diapers to apply it with, you don't want to get any lint in it while applying. Good luck and can't wait to see the results.