Brasso for brushed aluminium trim, or no?

[Guitaraudiologist]

Looking to polish up a Panasonic RX-5150. It's a little rough, probably been sitting in a garage for a couple of decades. I took it apart and gave it a nice bubble bath, but the trim (guessing aluminium) still looks dingy. I have Brasso on hand. Should I try it, or run away screaming? If not Brasso, what should I get?

 

[Reli]

Brasso works, but it is too aggressive in my opinion. I prefer using an automotive clearcoat polisher, like Turtle Wax Scratch & Swirl Remover.

 

[MrMcBlaster]

I second Reli. I use a mild car polish on all trim, even plastic chrome knobs and switches come up nicely with polish

 

[Guitaraudiologist]

Hmm.. I have basic Turtle Wax for car paint in the shed, is that what you mean? It's not a scratch remover or rubbing compound, just the green can with the spunge.

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

I use Wizards wax. It's extremely mild in terms of abrasion, but has some cleansing features about it. It also leaves a shine that is second to none. I also like the way it feels after. Silky.

 

[Reli]

Hmm.. I have basic Turtle Wax for car paint in the shed, is that what you mean? It's not a scratch remover or rubbing compound, just the green can with the spunge.

No, it needs to be a polish/scratch remover, not just a wax.

I use Wizards wax. It's extremely mild in terms of abrasion, but has some cleansing features about it. It also leaves a shine that is second to none. I also like the way it feels after. Silky.

Wizards Shine Master?

 

[Guitaraudiologist]

Okay, so I'm guessing if it's a scratch remover I should avoid areas with screen printing on them? Or is it alright? Also should I lightly buff or put a little muscle into it? Side to side with the brush marks?

 

[MyOhMy]

Many years ago I used Brasso for cleaning brass & copper items on many an occasion over some 15 years. Not only does it clean but, if a surface had marks that need to be removed such as scratches, we used the same ol' Brasso and doubled up on elbow grease. Brasso is waaaaaaaaaaaay too abrasive for your needs.

If ever you need a mild abrasive (but not on this occasion), consider toothpaste after careful thought and consideration.

 

[Reli]

Okay, so I'm guessing if it's a scratch remover I should avoid areas with screen printing on them? Or is it alright? Also should I lightly buff or put a little muscle into it? Side to side with the brush marks?

It's OK over printed labels, you just need to be really careful. Only use a light touch. In the same direction as the grain in the metal.

 

[jimmyjimmy19702010]

Any amount of polishing of a metal surface with any thing that’s abrasive enough to cut into metal is going to strip the screenwriting in seconds.

Generally, if I get a box with crusty metal trim, I just go over it with a soft pencil eraser to smooth up the surface and remove some of the corrosion. There isn’t much else you can do without making the surface look uneven.

My 5150 had the same issue.

 

[Reli]

In some cases you aren't polishing the metal, you're polishing the clear coat the manufacturer put over the metal.

If the labels are on top of that clearcoat, you might fade them a bit, but I'd rather have good-looking trim than perfectly black labels. I did it to one of those Panasonics and I didn't notice any significant damage.

But if the metal has true corrosion on it, like raised bumps, well that's a more severe problem that the polish I recommended probably won't solve. It would require something more abrasive, that would definitely strip the lettering.

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

none. I also like the way it feels after. Silky.

Wizards Shine Master?

Yep, thats the stuff, AMAZING. I use it on all parts of the radio, chrome, cabinet, panels and even the screen printed section. It always cleans, never removes any details and if there is corrosion, like bumps ect. I apply it a few times and rub a bit harder and it takes them off too.

 

[SLO]

I use Wizards wax. It's extremely mild in terms of abrasion, but has some cleansing features about it. It also leaves a shine that is second to none. I also like the way it feels after. Silky.

I use this too ever since you turned me on to it, stuff works GREAT, and smells good too LOL

 

[Guitaraudiologist]

Thanks for all the advice. I tried Mothers Cleaner Wax, because that's what I hand on-hand, and got it looking much better. But still not great. However, I just bought a second 5150 to fix and put the best of the two boxes together, along with some Wizards Shine Master and Novus Plastic Polishes. I can't wait to see what I come out with in the end!