Im trying to find more info on polishing alloy wheels. I'm trying to find these questions to be answered:

1) Can any alloy be polished to a near mirror state?

2) Can the word low maintenance be involved with polished alloys?

3) Following on from that, I've seen on a few websites that lacquering it up helps the shine last and corrosion away, any negatives?

4) Any additional how to/guides would be great! I've found that I need a polishing ball to attach to the drill and some specialised polish will be sufficient.

I'll post some videos and info if anyone else is interested in a little project like this.

1) yes - any surface can be polished to a shiney state - alloys especially.

2) no - they need lots of care, de-lamination is an issue.

3) as point 2 - you'll need lacquer to maintain the finish.

4) none from me

See this:

http://forum.eastwood.com/showthread.php?92-Buffing-aluminum

and:

http://www.finishingtalk.com/community/post3390.html

My polished alloy wheels on the superb are delaminating badly, a simple stone chip is all it takes and the wheel is ruined. WHen I get a chance, my polished alloys are coming off to be refurbed but they will be painted silver and not polished.

My wheels have been cleaned regularly, using non acidic chemicals but its made no difference.

Mk5 gti's have a huge problem with they're monza's white worming.

Don't think I'd go down the polished route.

Hyper silver/black paint? That's the route I would take, rather costly though!

Diamond cut face then muchas lacquer????

I run polished wheels with no lacquer, but they do need to be kept on top of as they do start to cloud up after a while.