Best way to polish DB9 grille

[dkatwa]

Hi guys. I have searched the forums and cannot find out the best way of polishing the grille on the DB9. It seems aluminium but not 100% sure. I have checked various detailing sites and they don't mention aluminum per se.
Any help appreciated.

[Biggriff]

I use autosol on a microfibre (beware as ends are sharp) and then use Britemax metal sealant to ptotect it (Mega stuff even on exhausts).

[dkatwa]

Thanks for the quick reply biggriff...
i checked Halfords and they have the product (Autosol Metal Polish 75g) that also waxes and provides a protective layer. Does that mean I don't need the sealer you recommend?

[dkatwa]

Just bought Autosol from Halfords - no good. There seems to be white staining to the grill that the polish can't get to. Any other ideas?
Or new grille?

[brakedwell]

I think you will find the slats are stainless steel, at least on the 7 bar grille.

Edited by brakedwell on Friday 26th July 12:12

[dkatwa]

Thanks Brakedwell - is there a special cleaner? Or do I have to use wirebrush/ wirewool?

These are the images, showing the white patches that spoilt the look of the grille.

Edited by dkatwa on Friday 26th July 10:36

[dkatwa]

Now with pix

[pilgrim7777]

The marks are usually water marks caused by the limescale in hard water. I find white vinegar will take the marks out also make sure the underside of the slats are clean as often there is a reflection onto the slat below.Often will take several goes to get the marks off. When clean use what ever polish/wax of your choice.

[mikey k]

That is water staining
The hardness in the water left after it evaporates
Only way to get it off is with a good metal polish
I did it with a dremel on my last one
The sealant afterwards is a good idea, also drying the grill off ASAP after a wash

[dkatwa]

I tried Viakal just now and it made no difference. It is as if the marks are 'sealed in' and nothing seems to work :-(

[pilgrim7777]

Oh dear.. it would appear that the limescale has taken off the shine...in which case 'try bar keepers friend' that will normally cure the problem but it is hard work and your fingers will take a bashing...good luck

[Jockman]

Same as my grille - even Mikey's Dremel couldn't fix it.

I may go for a new grille and I would not consider a bright finish one again

[dkatwa]

New grille huh? not good...is it possible to paint it? Don't think it is worth spending £600+ on a new grille

[mikey k]

Jockman said:

Same as my grille - even Mikey's Dremel couldn't fix it.

I may go for a new grille and I would not consider a bright finish one again

Powder coat the old one!

[AMDBSNick]

dkatwa said:

New grille huh? not good...is it possible to paint it? Don't think it is worth spending £600+ on a new grille

Tony Hall the tosser

[pilgrim7777]

Unless you call loud and clear in arabic he won't hear.. Nick.. I think he is in Egypt....

[brakedwell]

I use Autosol and a soft polishing cloth - works a treat. If you suffer from OCD you could always remove the slats and polish them individually!

dkatwa said:

Thanks Brakedwell - is there a special cleaner? Or do I have to use wirebrush/ wirewool?

These are the images, showing the white patches that spoilt the look of the grille.

Edited by dkatwa on Friday 26th July 10:36

[dkatwa]

thanks Brakedwell - I used Autosol yesterday and it made no difference. It is like the stains are embedded in the grille - as part of the design :-(

[brakedwell]

Strange, my grille was cleaned using Autosol over a month ago and looks like this:

[dkatwa]

do you have before pics by any chance? Would be good to compare my grill with yours