The foundation of a mirror finish is using the correct aluminum polishing supplies and matching them to each stage of the process.

Table of Contents:

1. Essential Aluminum Polishing Supplies
2. Sandpaper & Surface Prep Materials
3. Polishing Wheels
4. Polishing Compounds
5. How-To Guide
6. Step 1 - Clean & Prep
7. Step 2 - Sanding
8. Step 3 - Buffing (Polishing)
9. Common Mistakes
10. DIY vs. PRO
11. Do quality supplies matter?
12. Final Thoughts
13. 24/7 Customer Support
    
    

Essential Aluminum Polishing Supplies

Sandpaper & Surface Prep Materials

• Coarse grits for leveling defects
• 80 Grit, 120 Grit, 180 Grit
• Progressive grits to remove previous stages
• 180 Grit, 240 Grit, 320 Grit, 400 Grit, 600 Grit
• Solvents and cleaners to prep surfaces before polishing
• Varsol
• Mineral Spirits
• Paint Thinner

The polish will only ever look as good as the surface beneath it. It's all about prep!

Polishing Wheels

• Heavy cut buffing wheels for initial compound stages
• Wheels we recommend for the heavy cut stage:
• Hillzinger Grey Heavy Cut
• Hillzinger 86/82
• Hillzinger 60/60 Heavy Weight Clear Mill (Treated)
• Medium-density airway wheels for color and refinement
• Wheels we recommend for the Coloring Stage
• Hillzinger 60/60 Heavy Weight Clear Mill (Treated)
• Hillzinger 60/60 Heavy Weight Untreated
• Hillzinger 60/60 Fine Mirror Finish (high RPM)
• Soft cotton or flannel wheels for finishing and super finishing
• Wheels we recommend for the Finish Stage(s)
• 60/60 Fine Mirror Finish (Low RPM)
• Molten Flannel

You will also need a Center-Mounted Rake to prep your airway buffing wheels and clean them throughout use.

Polishing Compounds

Solid bar compounds are the industry standard for aluminum, stainless steel and chrome. Liquid or paste products rarely deliver the same depth or longevity, but are great for hand-polishing in tight areas.

You’ll typically need:

• A heavy cut compound to remove sanding marks
• Compounds we recommend for the heavy cut stage:
• Menzerna 439T
• Marpol C94
• Marpol C106
• Menzerna P14F
• A medium cut compound to refine the surface and add depth & colour
• Compounds we recommend for the Medium Cut / Colour stage:
• Menzerna P14F
• Menzerna P164
• Marpol C41
• A finishing compound to refine hash and add clarity
• Compounds we recommend for the Finishing stage:
• Menzerna 480BLF
• Marpol Volax Blue
• Marpol MX5
• Marpol CRX
• Marpol SF15
• Kochour KC-11
• A super finish compound for maximum depth, gloss and colour.
• Compounds we recommend for the Finishing stage:
• Menzerna P175
• Marpol MX5
• Marpol CRX
• Marpol SF15

These are core metal polishing supplies used in professional shops for consistent, repeatable results.

Step-by-Step: How to Polish Aluminum

Step 1: Clean and Prep

Before sanding or polishing, aluminum should be free of oils, residues, oxidation and contamination left on the surface. Professionals usually Acidize (Acid Wash) the surface to properly clean it and allow for a clean piece to work on.

Step 2: Sanding the Surface

Sanding is where the finish is built.

Professional sanding progression typically includes:

• Starting coarse enough to remove defects
• Gradually stepping through finer grits
• Fully removing the previous grit’s scratch pattern before advancing

Skipping sanding stages is one of the most common reasons aluminum never achieves a true mirror finish.

These are the proper Sanding Stages, in order:

80 Grit, 120 Grit, 180 Grit, 240 Grit, 320 Grit, 400 Grit, 600 Grit.

Step 3: Buffing / Polishing

This is where aluminum polishing supplies do the heavy lifting.

• Begin with a heavy cut compound to remove sanding marks
• Cut the surface doing 3 different directions with your pad. Typically we'll do a 45DEG cut to the left, then a 45DEG cut to the right, then a 90DEG cleanup cut going the direction your eyes hit the surface (when complete). This ensures you're hitting multiple sides of the microscopic pours & efficiently removing sanding grit from your previous stages.
• Transition to a medium cut compound to refine the surface
• Follow the same process as above
• Finish with a finishing or super finish compound to develop clarity and reflection
• Follow the same process as above
• Transition to an even less aggressive buffing wheel, and pair with a super finish compound to further reduce hash, add even more colour, and improve clarity and reflection.
• Follow the same process as above, however, only do your passes at a 90DEG angle, no need for cross-cutting.

Correct wheel selection, pressure, technique, and compound choice are critical here. Too much pressure or the wrong wheel can undo earlier work or create more work down the line.

Common Mistakes When Using Metal Polishing Supplies

Even with the right products, mistakes can limit results:

• Using one wheel for multiple compounds without cleaning (raking) your wheel
• Skipping sanding grits
• Not fully sanding out previous grits; ex: Not fully removing 180 grit with your 240 grit.
• Applying too much pressure
• Using low-quality aluminum polishing supplies This is the #1 mistake with new polishers. STAY AWAY from the DIY products! (Renegade, Zephyr, Osborn, etc)

Professional results come from consistency, patience, and correct material pairing.

DIY vs Professional Aluminum Polishing

DIY Polishing Makes Sense When:

• Parts are small or easily accessible
• Defects are minimal
• You already have the correct metal polishing supplies
• You plan to do more polishing in the future

Professional Polishing Is Best When:

• Aluminum is heavily oxidized, scratched, pitted, etc.
• Large components or panels are involved
• You want a guaranteed mirror finish without trial and error
• You don't want to purchase all of the tools / supplies necessary for a 1-off job

At Alberta Metal Polishing, we also help customers source the exact aluminum polishing supplies we use in-house, so DIY projects start with the right foundation. We carry just about everything a professional and DIYer would need, from Buffing Wheels to Solid Polishing Compounds to Center-Mount Rakes and more!

We don't yet carry Acid or Mineral Spirits, officially, but we can help point you in the right direction or facilitate sales through our major suppliers.

Why Quality Aluminum Polishing Supplies Matter

High-grade metal polishing supplies:

• Cut faster and cleaner
• More balanced (less vibrations)
• Produce a brighter, longer-lasting finish
• Reduce rework and material waste

Cheap compounds and wheels often cost more in the long run due to poor results and repeated labor. The cheaper products themselves also don't tend to spread as far, leading to quicker consumption, meaning more money spent in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Polishing aluminum to a mirror finish isn’t about shortcuts—it’s about using the correct aluminum polishing supplies, following a proven process, and understanding how each stage builds on the last.

Whether you’re polishing at home or seeking professional results, the right approach makes all the difference between a surface that shines briefly and one that truly stands out.

If you’re looking for professional aluminum polishing services or high-quality metal polishing supplies, Alberta Metal Polishing is here to help you get it done right the first time.

The main benefit we give to all of our fantastic customers is 24/7 personal Customer Support! If you use our products we know how to help in just about any situation; call us for direct product usage support, advice, direction, etc. and we'll take the time to help.

24/7 Customer Support - (780) 818 1405