Clear coating polished aluminum parts. Needing advice

[Fritzer]

Hello All.

This last summer I purchased a 1972 GT750 (#7777) that looked pretty good at 3 meters, but close up it was in need of a total restoration effort. Frame and related parts are out to be powder coated. While that has gone on I have been focused on polishing the aluminum parts. I bought a jet 8” buffer and got everything to a high shine. To prevent future oxidation, I clear coated the parts with 2 stage clear lumibase top coat that I had in stock. It turned out nice and parts looked good, but adhesion is a bit on the weak side. With medium effort I can scrape it off with my thumbnail. I can understand why since the surface is so smooth, there is little for this different purpose paint to stick to.

So to close a long winded story, I am hoping that there is some members that might help me out with some tips on how to correctly treat your polished aluminum parts?

Also, does anybody know what the factory did to treat the aluminum parts when built?

Appreciate any help anyone can offer. Thanks in advance.

[Kettletimes3]

For what I can remember the Aluminium parts were not highly polished,
They were Linished with what would have been a form scotchbright,Then clear coated.

[Fritzer]

I think you are correct about the factory not super shiny finish. 50 years later when you have everything apart, the aluminum needs some help. Might as well shine it up a little. I wonder what Suzuki used as a clear coat.

[Fritzer]

I have been spending some effort to get a clue on what to do to seal my aluminum parts. I have been in contact with manufacturers of urethane clear coats and the general consensus is that putting a a paint layer is not a good idea. Using a ceramic sealer is what seems to be the best way to go. It lasts for a few years (or more if in garage all the time) and will not scrape or chip off.

I purchased a 3D ceramic+graphite kit and will install that soon. Will put some feedback on that process when completed

[malky]

I polish my alloy casings with Solvol and then use a product called Showroom Shine which removes all the black greasy stuff and seals it - stops fingerprints and lasts for a good while - dont lacquer it whatever you do !