Not quite perfect, need to work on my technique. This small section took me about an hour. Of course this was after about 4 other attempts on different areas of the wheel using various methods. I'm still ending up with microscopic scratches from the polishing. I think I need to try a different polishing compound and/or cloth.
Started out by stripping the clearcoat off of the lips with Strypeeze paint remover. Then used 150 grit on a rubber sanding block to remove the curb rash. Then I used a Harbor Freight medium grit sanding pad to remove the factory machining grooves. Followed up with a fine grit sanding pad. From here on out I wet sanded each step. Started out with 500 grit, then 800, 1000, 1200, 1500, and finally 2000. From 1000-2000 grit, I added a small amount of dishwashing soap to the water so the sand paper would glide.
So here's where things get tricky. I applied some aluminum polish with my finger using a light circular motion. Then I used a cotton buffing disc on a rotozip to work it in and buff it out. Applied another coat of aluminum polish with my finger, then buffed it out with a microfiber cloth. Results:
I'm really dreading getting back into this again tomorrow. The more I think about how much of a pain it's going to be to maintain these things, the more tempted I am to have them chrome plated.
BTW, please excuse my sorry attempt at a clever title. This thread has nothing to do with mirrors, just e39 wheels that are mirror polished
