stripping & polishing aluminum frames

[Stacey Graham]

I think I have dug up enough info on stripping frames to be able to peel the paint off my aluminum Cannondale, but I'm wondering if anybody has ever tried to just polish and clearcoat an aluminum frame? I know it wouldn't shine like chrome, but even semi-shiny like some car wheels are would suit me better than the gaudy decals the bike has now.

Thinking maybe buffing it out real good and then having it shot with clearcoat.

I found info on getting steel frames to shine, but nothing for those of us riding these here beer can frames.

Also, I seem to remember vaguely the Cannondale owners manual warning against stripping the frame. Is this just hogwash or is there a reason for it.

[iceskier]

I stripped my old Cannondale Red Shred with some spray on stripper and then sprayed on a clear coat. It is nice an shiny. The aluminum didn't need any polishing, and I haven't had any fatigue problems with the frame. I would give it a try on a small part of the bike first though.

[el gueche]

aluminum can polish up real pretty - i've had plenty done on my mc's - it can be very messy and time consuming - looks better than chrome imo

[flombe]

I got this tip from Mike at the St. Louis Park Erik's store. Get "Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish" and you will be very happy. I found a jar at a NAPA store. Use an old terry washcloth or strips of a bath towel (make sure your wife/mom/girlfriend won't notice it is missing!). This stuff makes my '95 GF Mt. Tam shine like it's not almost 10 years old. And it goes a long ways. I bought the small jar and have used less than half over three applications. Stroke your frame, buff to a shine, repeat. The shine will last for up to a few weeks depending on riding conditions - dust, mud, blood, sweat, tears, etc. will dull the finish.

I have heard applying a good carnuba wax after polishing will prolong the shine but I have not had the time or desire to try this. It takes me a good hour just to polish up the frame and this cuts into valuable riding time.

Mothers also has a "Billet Metal Polish" although I have not tried it and wouldn't know if it is helpful.

A little tip. Wear those surgical gloves when polishing or your hands will have a nice graphite gray cast for several days afterward.

[el gueche]

its best if you have a grinding wheel / with the polish cloth - change cloth as needed - and yes - wax - goggles are a must and if you dont have access to the wheel maybe you have a dremel tool, but that can get expensive with having to change those little heads so often - and as mentioned earlier, aluminum is sometimes shiny w/just a strip

[noise_is_life]

Here's a recent thread from MTBR on that very subject, looks like the options for protecting it are rattlecan clearcoat, powdercoat, or wax.

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=60354

[Stacey Graham]

Thanks everybody, this bike is my winter project and the info is much appreciated.

Now, a few drinks to build up the courage to actually start stripping the paint off of a perfectly good 3 month old bike...

[el gueche]

i had some engine cases and fork lowers powdercoated so that i wouldn't have to deal w/it - since this is your winter project i would strongly suggest you think about a clear powdercoat - i mtb is always in the dirt and when you're not riding you wil be cleaning and waxing - i good clearcoat and your bike will look the way you want it and will be as trouble free as it is right now