Reflectors

[Mr_Cool]

What's the best way to clean reflectors to get them really shinny and mirror-like again?

I pick up some used ones and cleaned them up w/ vinigar and water. They look pretty good, but still have some spotty areas. Is there anything I can do?

[JimD]

Nope.

[Ping]

What about chrome polish. It takes rust off a bumper. Buffed real well so no powder residue is left.

[JimD]

Even after you use chrome polish on a bumper, the pitting is still there, same with aluminum, once its etched, you'll still see the remaining damage and youll most likely never regain its original resilliance. A buffing wheel and rouge may work.

[Mr_Cool]

What's a rouge? I have a buffing wheel I could use. Is that some type of pad that goes on the wheel?

[erikharrison]

I am pretty sure that rouge is that stuff they put on the wheel before you buff. I remember that from class in like 7th grade, haha.

[Mr_Cool]

Where would I get some rouge anyway? A hobby shop? Or, maybe an autoparts store?

[JimD]

Where would I get some rouge anyway? A hobby shop? Or, maybe an autoparts store?

Google it, I doubt youl find it localy unless you know someone in the business.

[Mr_Cool]

Thanks! I'll give it a shot.

[SA-DSM]

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Power+Tool+Accessories&pid=00902896 000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Bench+Grinder&BV_UseBVCoo kie=Yes

if this is what you are talking about they have it at sears.

[Mr_Cool]

That must be it. Thanks SA!

Do you think a dremil tool with a buffing wheel will work? Seems like it would be easier to work with than a bench grinder.

[Ping]

A dremel tool will work, but take forever. If you have a buffing wheel for the grinder, I would use that tool for as much as I could and the dremel for small tight spaces.

[caferacermike]

Since JimD and I tend to agree on everything, I'm with him on this one. The small etches will look a lot better than your new "white" reflector from all the scuffs that will appear. I don't think any of us have the capabilities at home to recreate that factory look. PLUS, you'll need to be aware that once you remove the original surface and begin buffing, this will allow your reflector to haze even faster in the future. This I've learned from working on motorcycle parts. You can remove alloy pieces and buff them to look like mirrors on a nice bench wheel but weeks later they will fuzz up and etch faster than ever. Once you've polished them you must keep polishing or risk them oxidizing away.

[Ping]

Thanks Mike. That make sense and helps alot.

[Mr_Cool]

So, I should just keep cleaning them w/ vinegar and use them as they are? Or, should I use a hand polish on them w/out using the grinder to get most of it looking good?

Of course, if they get too bad, I'll just have to replace them w/ new ones.