Polishing aluminium parts

[rowan.bradley]

If I polish the primary chain case and the timing side cover of my A10 to a nice silvery shine, do I then need to protect these surfaces with some kind of sealer or varnish? If so, what sort?
Thank you - Rowan

[Triton Thrasher]

Wipe it with an oily rag.

[jhg1958]

Rowan

Don’t use varnish unless you are very competent at painting engines. You are sure to have some chip or wear off then the exposed aluminium will at best look grotty.

In the past I have polished mine with a hard car wax (simoniz) but I tend to use GT85 spray on my aluminium parts, basically an oily rag.

John

[Joolstacho]

Def not Rowan!  If the polish is fine, it won't attract and 'hold' dirt. And personally I wouldn't even wipe with oil, - that just attracts dirt.

[Rex]

I agree. The alloy will oxidise no matter what and will never stay "just polished" shiny long-term whatever you do.

[Joolstacho]

The difference between polish and shine: Polish= fine, classy, tasteful.  Shine= chromed plastic thing that comes in christmas bon-bons.
AMHIK.

[BagONails]

Generally speaking the finer finish you can achieve the longer the effect will last and the easier it will be to rejuvenate with a soft cloth and a drop of Solvol.  Applying a wax polish as a protective will help slow down the oxidation but not prevent it...