Cleaning & Finishing White Metal Cast Rims

[jwood]

Hey everyone!

I'm currently building an all resin & white metal cast parts kit (first time building this type of kit). The white metal parts really prep up nice after some sanding and polishing but I'm having problems with the rims. I was wondering if anyone has any tips or tricks for sanding and polishing white metal cast rims? It's pretty difficult trying to get sandpaper into such a small area but if I can figure out a technique I know these rims will clean up nice. If anyone has any experience with this or tips & tricks please share!!

Thank you,

JW

[CadillacPat]

Body Prep is everything for a nice paintjob and the diecast bodies of Hotwheels, MBox or Jada castings take on a whole new appearance when stripped and then filed and sanded free of all factory cast imperfections.

I rub down all my castings with #3 Steel Wool once they have been filed and sanded clean. It knocks down evenly all scratches from the 220 sandpaper giving the surface a consistent overall spun lustre perfect for good paint adhesion.

Just be sure to finish up by using a soft brass wire brush to rid your casting free of any tiny debris and then wash in soap and waer with a small brush.

CadillacPat

[trogdor]

Do you have a dremel ? That's about the only way I can think of. Someone here with more experience may have a better solution.

[Roncla]

I've been looking in to this same thing as I have some multi media kits that are going to present the same issue. On other forums the members swear by using magnetic tumblers.

I believe they originate from the jewelry trade where they are used for cleaning rings and the like. From the photos I've seen they do a really nice job but they aren't cheap starting at $200

http://www.ottofrei.com/store/home.php?cat=3577

[Scale-Master]

Find the softest brass or better yet copper wire brush you can, soft as in like a toothbrush.

It will give a brushed aluminum look and get into the crevices. Use it dry.

0000 Steel wool will turn the high points into near chrome.

Fine metal polish on a toothbrush can be used if you want it brighter, but you will need to scrub the black residue out with the toothbrush and detergent & water.

They will tarnish over time so a thin coat of clear is an option to ward that off. Waxing them can help too, but it is not as long term of an option.

[Cato]

Jesse,

Kidney beans = early Cobra. Please post your build in 'Workbench' section.

Thanks.