Polishing Alloy Wheels and Other Trim

[Alfie_VW]

Hi,

I have a VW Golf R (2017). I have just purchased some autoglym metal polish which I have used for my illuminated metal door sills, metal coated wing mirrors, VW badges and metal trim at the base of bumper. Could someone tell me if this metal polish is suitable for all of these? They all came up well but the illuminated door sills seem to keep giving off black residue despite polishing several times so not sure if I should have done these?

Also, what metal and finish do golf R alloys have? I have read around that metal polish is not good for lacquered alloy wheels? Are there any suitable products anyone would recommend to polish golf R alloys?

Thanks!!

[Brainpox]

I don't know about the door sills but you can get wheel-specific sealants or use a high temp wax to bring wheels up a bit. I'd avoid using anything abrasive on lacquered alloys.

[cayman-black]

I would not use metal polish for the wheels. I would clean ,polish then wax them.
Try posting here and i,m sure some of the detailers on there will give you recommendations.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/forum.asp?h=0&...

[finlo]

The black stuff is aluminium residue from polishing due to its softness.

[spookly]

Some trim pieces have lacquer or plastic film coatings so should not be cleaned with an abrasive polish. Even if you remove it tidily it then exposes the metal underneath to oxidisation. Although in some cases the 'metal' trim has no metal content at all, and is just metal look plastic.... I wouldn't use an abrasive polish on those either.

A good rule of thumb is to never use anything more abrasive than absolutely necessary, so just wipe/sponge it clean wherever possible.

[Alfie_VW]

Thanks to all for the advice!!

[Leptons]

Metal polish will be no good on the alloy wheels because they’re diamond - cut and lacquered.

To clean them I’d suggest using a good fallout remover (Autoglym’s version is called magma and is available in the shops but it’s far from the best). This will remove the bonded on contamination from your brakes.

You can then go on to polish them with normal car polish and add a coat of good quality hard wax or a dedicated wheel sealant.

[Cambs_Stuart]

I use finishkare high temp paste wax on everything. Wheels, lights, windows, shiny plastics etc. Works really well.

[CharlesElliott]

Don't use metal polish on anything decorative, especially badges. Metal polish is only for shining up shiny solid metal - exhaust tips being the only item I can think of on a Golf R.