How to Remove Light Scratches From Billit Aluminum.

[ShineTimeDetail]

I have 08 Mustang GT wheels on my car and they have light scratches I'm guessing from washing them. I have bought a buffing rouge from home depot but not sure if this is the way to go. What do you suggest is the best way to permanently remove these scratches?

[FUNX650]

I have 08 Mustang GT wheels on my car and they have light scratches I'm guessing from washing them. I have bought a buffing rouge from home depot but not sure if this is the way to go. What do you suggest is the best way to permanently remove these scratches?

I've never purchased or used the rouge from Home Depot, and I assume that this is a 'red rouge'(rouge=red). Red Rouge compound, is considered to be in the Fine Finish Compound range, and it is normally used on brass, copper, gold, pewter, sterling or silver plate, nickel or chrome plate, and plastics like Baklite or Formica. Generally aluminum compounds start in the Coarse Compound range--Black Emery-- and go up the sprectrum from there in this order ---Brown Tripoli, White Diamond, ending with Blue All Purpose. Start with the least aggressive compound (sound familiar?) first, and change up to next level of aggressiveness, etc., until you are satisfied with desired results. (Note: If you want, give the red rouge from Home Depot a try--if you're not happy with the results,you can always go back to the Aliminum compound chart and have a "do over"). Seal/wax with your favorite aluminum dressing.

[Finemess]

If its true billet, uncoated, this is da bomb!

Wenol Blue Auto Metal Polish

[James K]

Are you sure they are not a coated wheel? I am thinking they have clear on then.

[Flash Gordon]

Meguiars 105

[oldmodman]

If the wheels are the original wheels that came on the car from the factory, they are clear coated and the coarse metal polishes you asked about will damage the finish.

If they are aftermarket polished aluminum wheels installed by either the dealer or yourself, it would be safe to use actual metal polish on them.

But as was said before. Start out with the mildest, least aggressive grade of polish and see if that gets the desired level of correction. Then if necessary you can go with the stronger polishes.

[forrest@mothers]

How about some pix of the rims so you can get an accurate answer?

OE Mustang rims from 08 are cast aluminum, not billet, and are coated. If those are the rims you have, the rouge you bought is not the correct product to use.

[FUNX650]

How about some pix of the rims so you can get an accurate answer?

OE Mustang rims from 08 are cast aluminum, not billet, and are coated. If those are the rims you have, the rouge you bought is not the correct product to use.

Uncoated True Billet Aluminum v. Clear-Coated Cast Aluminum will determine proper product---True aluminum polishing compounds or products that contain such; or polishes intended for clear-coat paint!

[Dan Metzler]

Meguiars 105

Never thought of this....you talking for clear coated wheels? Can't see it working on raw aluminum.

[Rob T]

Meguiars 105

I've tried that myself, and it didn't work at all.