Polished Aluminium

FAQ

• Can brushed aluminium be polished?

  You can polish aluminium using a specialist metal polish or simply mixing a solution of vinegar and water. It’s important to remember that aluminium is not the hardest of metals, so you don’t need to use an overly abrasive cleaning product or brush.

• What is polished aluminium and what is it used for?

  Bright polish has a shiny, reflective finish and almost perfectly smooth surface. It is also highly corrosion resistant. It is frequently found in catering and kitchen equipment, marine environments, automobile parts or any areas where aesthetics and longevity are of equal importance.

• What is brushed aluminium and what is it used for?

  Brushed aluminium has a uniform “grain” effect with fine lines running along the surface, and a very slightly textured surface compared to the smoothness of bright polished aluminium. It is used for kitchen and bathroom splashbacks, handrails, kickplates, outdoor furniture, shop and warehouse fittings and many other applications.

• Can you lacquer polished aluminium?

  You can lacquer polished aluminium if you want to protect the metal or don’t want to clean and polish your product as often, but there is a chance it will affect the aesthetics of the polish, and also a possibility it could peel, potentially damaging the material underneath.

• Can you paint over polished aluminium?

  You can paint polished or brushed aluminium; simply prep the product by cleaning and buffing (or sand blasting depending on the product), use a suitable primer, then paint and finish with a sealant. It is also possible to powder coat polished aluminium.

• Does polished aluminium tarnish?

  Polished aluminium does not tarnish easily, though it is possible. Both bright polished and brushed aluminium are resistant to most types of corrosion, and almost any tarnishing can be removed through cleaning and polishing back to its original finish.

• Does polished aluminium rust?

  Polished aluminium does not rust – no aluminium product rusts, as aluminium does not contain iron – though it is possible for it to corrode in certain environments. Generally speaking, polished aluminium is highly corrosion resistant and an excellent choice for applications that may be exposed to humidity or moisture.

• How to keep polished aluminium shiny?

  If you want your polished aluminium to stay shiny, you’ll need to look after it! There are options such as specialist wax or clear powder coat, but you can keep a great finish simply through regular cleaning, polishing and buffing.