Autoblog may receive a share from purchases made through links on this page. Price and availability subject to change.
When it comes to DIY cleaning, you need to make sure you have the right product for each specific surface you want to clean. All-purpose cleaners are fine for some car cleaning jobs, but many surfaces require special care. To properly clean some areas of your car, truck or bike, you should consider purchasing a specialized product specifically designed to care for the surface you want to clean so you can do it without damaging the paintwork. Aluminum polish, for example, is made specifically for cleaning and restoring aluminum, as well as chrome, stainless steel, and other types of metals. Here are the best aluminum polishes currently available on Amazon.
$9.26 at Amazon
All you need to apply this Mother’s Polish is a clean microfiber cloth and some elbow grease. This polish is ideal for restoring the mirror shine to aluminum, stainless steel, brass and other alloys.
Key Features
- 10 ounces. paste
- Shines and protects
- Perfect for all metals
- Protects metal from oxidation, road damage and weather influences
$19.99 at Amazon
This Heavy Metal Polish Restorer and Protectant from Chemical Guys is a 3-in-1 cleaning product that rejuvenates and restores the clarity of aluminum surfaces. This cleaner uses micro-abrasives to remove oxidation and protective polymers to prevent future oxidation and staining.
Key Features
- 16 ounces. Bottle
- Cleans, shines and protects
- Ideal for chrome, aluminum and stainless steel
- Restores dirty, tarnished and oxidized metal
- Fast-acting micro-abrasives
$12.74 at Amazon
This product from Adam’s Polishes uses specialized abrasives and synthetic sealants to combat oxidation and early signs of rust. This polish is suitable for matte finishes and water sports while restoring the aluminum.
Key Features
- 4 oz. Bottle
- Uses a unique blend of polishes
- Removes oxidation and light stains
- Can be used by hand or machine
$19.99 at Amazon
This all-round polisher cleans, restores and protects all metal surfaces. It can be safely used on aluminum, chrome, brass, silver copper, diamond plates and wheels. This polish can be applied with a microfiber cloth and does not require any special tools.
Key Features
- 16 ounces. Bottle
- Multi-purpose polish and cleaner
- Removes oxidation and rust stains
- Works on a variety of metal surfaces
- No harsh chemicals
$12.61 at Amazon
This 7-in-1 metal cleaner from Brasso can clean a variety of metal surfaces. It can effectively clean and restore aluminum, stainless steel, chrome, tin, bronze, brass and copper. In addition to cleaning metal on vehicles, this cleaner can also be used to clean faucets, sinks, curtain rods, door locks, metal furniture and other small parts.
Key Features
- 2 packs of 8 oz. bottles
- 7 in 1 metal cleaner
- Gives a strong and long-lasting shine
- No rinsing required
$33.99 at Amazon
This metal restorer and polisher from 3M is a paste that can be easily applied to metal and removes surface rust, corrosion and oxidation. It also provides a lustrous shine that will keep your metals looking new.
Key Features
- 18 ounces. paste
- Removes corrosion and rust
- Brilliant shine
- Reverses oxidation
How to use aluminum polish
If you use a paste or spray, the dosage process varies. Therefore, make sure you go through the instructions carefully. You don’t need a buffer for every polishing project, larger jobs may require the use of one. Sanding is also recommended for certain projects. Here is a video tutorial from Chemical Guys explains how to polish chrome, stainless steel and metal surfaces.
Be sure to follow the warnings on the labels of these products. They are harmful if swallowed and can irritate skin and eyes. Therefore, be sure to read the accompanying warnings before use and stock up on appropriate equipment to protect yourself when using such cleaning products. For example, gloves, towels, and eye protection are good items to have on hand in your garage or workshop.
What can aluminum polish be used for?
This type of polish is great for restoring aluminum wheels, exhaust tips, and other metal areas on a car. They can also be used to clean sinks, cutlery, door locks and other metal fittings. The types of metal they can clean include aluminum, chrome, tin, stainless steel, brass, copper, and bronze. Not every metal polisher can clean every type of metal. Be sure to read what your product can be safely used for. Also note that you should not use aluminum polish on items that you eat or drink from.