[way_2fast_4u]

I am in process of polishing the aluminum on my motorcycle. Issue, as most of you know, is that it is a pain to maintain if you actually ride it. Was wondering if anyone has ever clearcoated aluminum or is it even possible. Obviously so I don't have to polish it constantly. Any tips? Thanks for the help. <img src="graemlins/drool.gif" border="0" alt="[drool]" />

 

[5.0Towncar]

Almost all of the aluminum alloy wheels are clearcoated.....With what kind, I don't know.

 

[[email protected]]

I have my polished aluminum clear powder coated. Good for life!

 

[bullheimer]

i thought my wheels were clear coated when i bought them, and was told they are not! just hella chiney! i sprayed some brand x clear on my "stainless steel" steering shaft about 6 months ago after it started rusting and i removed the rust, and so far no more rust, and as you might remember i had no hood on for the whole time. however there is nothing rubbing against it. if it's a bike part use powder coating (ala mr. guru above) if your foot or leg is going to be next to it rubbing the paint off. or if gas can spill on it taking it right off.

 

[1BAD80]

Eastwood has a clear coat for alumium called Diamond coat. Make sure you follow the instructions. They also have powder coating kits.
http://www.eastwoodco.com/

 

[[email protected]]

You are right, continued abrasion on a powder coated part will likely rub it off but the only solvent that will remove it is premium paint remover. Nothing else touches it. Eastwood's clear coat is glorified clear lacquer so solvents will attack it and it will scrape off whereas powder coating is extremely resistant to scraping.

 

[collins motors co.]

when companys redo aluminum wheels for collision repair industry they powder coat them with clear.

 

[[email protected]]

Yes, and the original color on factory mags like the gold on 80s Trans Am honeycomb mags is powdercoat.

 

[Shawn Asseln]

You can clearcoat aluminum no prob. I will probally make some people mad by saying this but I do not prefer a powdercoat over liquid clear. Powder is to hard and chips easier where as a liquid will not chip from small flying particles. But a liquid will scratch easier. I have heard of people powdering everything underneith cars and such and after driving them wishing they didnt. A good example it to look at the black drophitches on trucks. They are all powder coated but after a short time they are very chipped up and rusted. But this is my opinion.

 

[30 sportcoupe]

I would highly recommend the new product called Zoop Seal. Its a protective sealer for aluminum. I'm not associated with Zoops but I saw the stuff applied. <a href="http://www.zoops.com" target="_blank">Zoops Hot Rod Products</a>

 

[Halloweenking]

I use polurethane liquid clearcoat. Its strong will stand up to about anything and can be done with what you have left after your paint job

HK

 

[way_2fast_4u]

Thanks to everyone for all the replies. Just to let everyone know I am polishing the footpeg holders, heel guards, and swingarm. So there is going to be a bit of rubbing on the heel guards and on the holders. I will take a look at everyone's suggestions.

Last question regarding preparing the pieces for clear. Can I just use a wax and grease remover before I clear or is there something else that I should be using? Thanks again. <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

 

[Weimer]

Try to find a local machine shop that deals in Aluminum and ask them what they would charge you to anodize your parts with clear...
Later,
WEIMER

 

[hvyh20]

I have used the eastwood company diamond coat mentioned a few posts ablove. Works great.

 

[one off]

por15inc. has a clear just for that glisten pc

 

[38 special]

We clearcoat our Airstream trailers, but after a few years you need to redo it again to keep it nice.

 

[Mirror Image]

All I have ever used on aluminum is Dupont DC 4500 clear coat never had nothing come back so it must be working just make sure it is good and clean