Remove Scratches from AT4 rims?

ShamrockShooter · March 11, 2020

Just curious if anyone could recommend a process or product that could remove some minor scratches from the machined aluminum mirror finish on the 20 inch AT4 rims.

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Oscarj · March 11, 2020

Scotch Brite pad with some aluminum polish. Or a Brillo pad. If there is no clear coat on the rim then a sandpaper that closely matches the grain. Go with the grain, not cross ways. Then elbow grease till you are satisfied. If all else fails put that rim on the rear passenger side.

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BlancoSilverado · March 11, 2020

STOP, THE RIMS ARE CLEAR COATED OVER THE MACHINED PORTION FROM THE FACTORY,

Polishing compound for paint. this should take it out

OnTheReel · March 11, 2020

Yes, GM clear coats all their wheels so you can treat it like you would a scratch in paint.

Just don’t get too crazy chasing perfection on it. I’d try a combination polish & synthetic wax and leave it there. Should diminish the appearance quite a bit without being aggressive. Too easy to burn right through the thin coating near the edges (even polishing by hand) and have salt corrode it. Nobody is gonna see it anyway.

Edited March 11, 2020 by OnTheReel

ShamrockShooter · March 11, 2020

Any brand name recommendations? Lots of other faint scratches parallel with the spokes courtesy of dealer wash prep person I presume.

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OnTheReel · March 11, 2020

I’ve used mostly Meguiars products in the past, but lately I’m a big fan of this:

Turtle Wax 53412 Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Polish and Wax-14 Fl Oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XYPS3PV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qzxAEbJH2N4N3

Did an excellent job taking care of minor scratches in my paint. It’s minimally abrasive, so you can work those areas a few times if you need to. And as a bonus, it’ll leave behind some really great wax protection. Smells delicious too.

ShamrockShooter · March 12, 2020

Found some McGuire's rubbing compound and wax in the garage. Three goes with rubbing compound and a Terry cloth and some wax and it's almost like it didn't happen. I can't believe how soft that clear coat is. Glad I didn't go at it with a steel a scotch Brite pad..[emoji102]

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