Really silly question...how to polish a can cap?

[joeriz]

Told you it was silly...

I've had pretty good luck in the past using Nev-r-Dull on them but was wondering if folks had other ways/secrets for doing this. Also, once polished, do you use anything to protect them?

Thanks!

Joe

[SDS-PAGE]

Perfectly legitimate question. I first use Fast Orange to get rid of any organic matters on the surface, then I buff several times with Turtle Wax's Chrome Polish. This combination, I find, works like a dream for me. I really like the polish. Not only it's cheap, it really works. Good luck. -Min

[joeriz]

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

Joe

[snitch56]

I've used "Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish" with great results. Really works well in getting rid of oxidation. Can be used on all types of metals. Works good on old chassis also.
Any discount chain auto parts retailer should have it in stock

[dcriner]

This thread provokes a question.

Are can caps' cans aluminum? Seems so.

[erichayes]

Yes

[joeriz]

FYI --

I happened to have an old can cap lying around to mess around with. Well, I tried the Turtle Wax Chrome Polish on half of it...worked just OK for me. I tried the Nev-R-Dull on the other half and obtained much better results. I did notice that the piece of Nev-R-Dull wadding got really dirty -- I mean black! Don't know if the cap was that dirty or if the Nev-R-Dull was reacting with the aluminum or what. But the final result looked really nice and the aluminum seemed none the worse for it.

I need to go get some Mother's and give that a whirl. I've been reading about that stuff for years and never got around to buying some.

Joe

[snitch56]

I am not a chemist, but I think the black film that forms is a mixture of the polishing abrasive, oxidation, and fine metal particles. It buffs off with a clean cloth.

These aluminum polishes will make aluminum shine like chrome, but keep them off brushed finished parts like Dynaco knobs and faceplates!!! They will remove the brushed appearance.

Joeriz, since you are testing, I have also heard flour works well on aluminum for polishing.

[joeriz]

I must say that the Nev-r-Dull works great on the metal Dynaco knobs. I have used it with great success in the past...made 'em look like new!

[EWBrown]

I've also seen that toothpaste works well as a aluminum polish. Just the good old-fashioned stuff, no fancy flavor stripes, fluoride or whiteners are needed here Yellow_Light_Colorz_PDT_06 A little dab'll do ya...

/ed B in NH