Polishing Questions

[d j]

I’m debating on taking some pieces off my engine and polishing them however I’m not familiar with the total process. (I know of the basics)

What would be some materials I should look into buying before starting this project?

What I need to know are some of the Do’s and Don’ts of polishing parts.
I do plan on using my air compressor with a low RPM sander, or would that be the wrong way to go about it?

What are some things I could do to avoid seeing ‘waves’ showing up once I shine everything up?

Thanks in advance
-dj

 

[machgsx]

The only way to really avoid "waves" is by sanding by hand. I'll probably go back and redo my heatshield by hand. Just make sure you use a fine grit to finish it off.

 

[Defiant]

Yes, you need a flat sander rather than the drums, etc. you have on rotary tools. It's really just a matter of time, effort and materials, working down through progressively finer grades of papers and finally polish. You probably won't do it on a second car.