Confused by trim.... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MercFan · #1 11-12-2009, 12:04 AM

Sorry, this one probably belongs in the detailing section - if so, then so be it...

I thought I'd try my hand tonight in doing some of the smaller detailing projects while I'm waiting on some parts to arrive - I taped up the trim pieces around the driver's side window and started some light polishing. I originally thought the trim pieces were chrome, so I used my fine German chrome polish that worked wonders on my 300D's grill... I noticed right away that I wasn't getting the results I wanted because the paste where you're rubbing it should quickly turns dark (black) as it removes microscopic pieces of the material off the surface (I'm guessing).

Anyway, since the chrome polish wasn't doing it, I put a magnet on the trim to see if it was stainless steel - it wasn't magnetic, so I thought: OK must be aluminum... So I went for Mother's Aluminum polish and here's where I got confused: using a LOT of elbow-grease I managed to bring out the shine in the first trim piece under the driver's window. Gaining confidence I started on the trim piece above the door: I rubbed and rubbed and nothing.... I couldn't get any shine on any of the rest of the pieces I've tried with aluminum polish! I could tell something was wrong, because once again, the paste when applied and rubbed on aluminum should turn black almost immediately - and none of it did on any of the pieces...

So, if it's not chrome and not aluminum on those trim pieces then what is it, and what product one would use in hopes of bringing back the shine to them?!

THanks,
James

Jeremy5848 · #2 11-12-2009, 12:07 AM

AFAIK it is anodized aluminum.

MercFan · #3 11-12-2009, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy5848

AFAIK it is anodized aluminum.

Can anything be used to polish it?! As described above the aluminum polish doesn't seem to produce the desired effect..

Jeremy5848 · #4 11-12-2009, 12:49 AM

Anodizing of aluminum is an oxidation (chemical) process; I do not know how it is accomplished. Maybe someone else here can explain it. If you polish enough, you can remove the anodized layer and get to the raw aluminum underneath. The problem then is keeping the aluminum polished. The appearance of the trim as originally made by Mercedes was not shiny but more like a "semi-gloss" or "brushed" finish. The advantage is that it is long-lasting and needs no "maintenance."

John Schroader · #5 11-12-2009, 08:59 AM

Again, I'm really out of my league on this one but will parrot what I think read on this forum some time back. As I recall, some of this dull trim is zinc. I really know almost nothing about metals and may be way off base, but I think I recall reading that. A search of the archives might render an answer.

MercFan · #6 11-12-2009, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Schroader

A search of the archives might render an answer.

Need to search some more then - thx

toomany MBZ · #7 11-12-2009, 10:29 AM

Saw something on teevee yesterday, here's a link.
http://www.sharkhide.com/acinfo.html
They have protectants as well.
I thought the anodized aluminum needed to be cleaned and re applied, but the above stuff may help. If anyone tries this stuff out, let the forum know.

MercFan · #8 11-12-2009, 10:48 AM

I found this product using Google search - looks promising: http://www.everbritecoatings.com/aluminum.htm

The thread search on this forum revealed some good threads as well - here is one: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=261732&highlight=window+trim

Basic stuff like 0000 steel wool or fine bronze wool with mild detergent might be the next thing I try - don't need show room just a refresher.

jkubica · #9 11-12-2009, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy5848

Anodizing of aluminum is an oxidation (chemical) process; I do not know how it is accomplished. Maybe someone else here can explain it. If you polish enough, you can remove the anodized layer and get to the raw aluminum underneath. The problem then is keeping the aluminum polished. The appearance of the trim as originally made by Mercedes was not shiny but more like a "semi-gloss" or "brushed" finish. The advantage is that it is long-lasting and needs no "maintenance."

Hi
Anodizing is an electric process for making the aluminum oxide (which is clear and protects aluminum) thicker and therefor increases the protection. Aluminum oxide is considerably harder than the metal. It can also be dyed various colors.

Using polish removes the protective layer and defeats the purpose.
It should be cleaned with mild soap and water.

Joseph

babymog · #10 11-12-2009, 02:17 PM

As Joseph said, don't remove the anodizing. It protects the aluminum alloy below.

Further, the trim is not a pure aluminum and won't take a high polish, it is an alloy that corrodes much faster than pure aluminum (stronger/lighter) and must be protected, thus the annodizing.

If you've polished through it to the softer metal below, best to paint it now.