I am polishing original finned aluminum valve covers and other aluminum parts. What is best sealer to use on these parts that will be around engine heat. I have heard anywhere from a coat of wax to clear coat. Will wax hold up to heat and will clear coat yellow / or peel from the heat. Your thoughts appreciated. Al T.
I am not sure there is such a thing as a sealer for polished aluminum. clear coat probably won't do well in the heat of the engine compartment and may yellow over time. I would polish them thoroughly before installing them and then planning on hitting them again with aluminum polish once a year while they are on the engine.
There were some sealers before like Joop, I think they are out of 'biz. I wouldn't seal them if you plan to polish every year. If something happens under the sealer, it would be a lot more work for you.
I have aluminum trim tabs on my boat. I polish them up and then after a day or two at the lake they start to look dull. I heard some stuff called Zoop is supposed to protect the shine. Haven't tried it yet, but I will since I want to hit the lake again this summer!
The best protection is to paint them with something like Eastwoods Alumablast. http://www.eastwood.com/ew-aluma-blast-set.html
Larry, that won't protect the shine of a polished aluminum part...all it does is replicate the fresh cast aluminum look. I have not found anything to protect polished aluminum yet...so I would be interested in seeing some other answers. I get aluminum trim from time to time, and the anodizing layer has to be removed to polish, therefore removing any scratch protection the trim originally had. Clear powder coat, maybe?
Yup, but I haven't yet seen a clear coat that wouldn't yellow over time. At least polishing should make the aluminum less likely to stain. I think JW use to polish intakes and such. For intakes and heads, I still think paint is the best option.
I started using Gibbs Penetrant on bare metal parts to prevent oxidation. Works great on unpolished stuff. I wipe it on the chrome air cleaner too but it will leave a film on it....not exactly an oily film, but sort of like it. Do a Google search for more opinions, it's popular stuff with the hot rod crowd.
Coworker who restores vintage motorcycles swears by "Master Formula" I recently tried it myself, Im happy with the polish, and the sealer leaves a slicker feel to the metal, vs just polish alone. Cant say how long it will last, as I just started using in the last month or so. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Harley-Mast...rg=20131230161411&rk=1&rkt=10&sd=231207555495
Have used this product for years. The polish does well and the sealer leaves a slick feel.This said,the sealer is not permanent and you will have to polish and seal again after a few months.
The only way to make polished aluminum looked polished. Is to keep polishing it. You will not be happy with a sealer.