Searching for the best aluminum polish can turn up a plethora of results, so we dove in to research the best options available based on essential factors such as formula strength, included additives, compatible metals, and overall ease of use. Different aluminum polish solutions can also work across alternative types of materials such as stainless steel, brass, copper, gold, fiberglass, and even plastic. Polishes can also feature additives such as cleaners or deoxidizers for removing tarnish, rust, oxidation, and other residues. No matter how you are looking into using your polish, we have a solution for you.
After our research was concluded, we found that Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish quickly took the spot as our top pick. Designed for use on aluminum wheels as well as other parts of an automobile, Mothers can clean not only aluminum, but also stainless steel, brass, and other metal alloys. The Mag & Aluminum polish also offers a perfect balance, allowing it to be used on both lighteth and heavier duty projects. Overall, Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish is the essential pick for polishing aluminum surfaces. Keep reading to find the perfect solution for your aluminum polishing needs. But before we start, check other top-tier tools available today.
Top 5 Best Aluminum Polish
#1 Mothers Mag & Aluminium Polish
Award: Top Pick
WHY WE LIKE IT: Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish is a robust, easy to apply, solution that can handle both polishing and protecting aluminum surfaces.
Read Full Review: Mothers 05101 Mag Aluminum Polish
- Easy to apply formula
- Shines and protects metals
- Offers polishing bundle
- Relatively expensive per ounce
- Lacks tarnish and rust removal
Roundup a group of automotive enthusiasts, and at least a few will likely tell you that they use Mothers Mag & Aluminum polish on their prized vehicles. With a strong reputation amongst hobbyists, you instantly know that Mothers 05101 Mag and Aluminum Polish offers something above the rest with its legendary formula that shines aluminum, stainless steel, brass, and other alloys. The formula not only shines metals but applies a protective coating to ensure the beauty lasts.
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The formula can be easily applied with a cleaning cloth and rubbed in with a bit of elbow grease. We love that the company offers a metal polishing bundle for those who would prefer to get the job done using a hand-held drill. While the solution has been said to remove some tarnish and rust, it lacks the more potent formulas that other solutions offer if you have tougher projects to complete. One note, we did find the solution to be comparatively expensive per ounce compared to the competition. You can clean the parts on your best sliding miter saw to perfection though.
#2 Flitz Multi-Purpose Polish and Cleaner
Award: Honorable Mention
WHY WE LIKE IT: Flitz offers an extremely flexible solution that works across a wide range of materials including metal and plastic while also providing a robust formula that removes rust and tarnishes.
Read Full Review: Flitz LQ 04535 Multi-Purpose Polish
- Non-toxic formula & compatible w/ variety of materials
- Includes rust and corrosion removal
- Non-flammable formula
- Relatively expensive per ounce
If you are seeking out a solution that will not only polish your aluminum but also remove rust and other corrosion, Flitz Multi-Purpose Polish and Cleaner might be the best option for you. The non-toxic, non-flammable formula is safe enough to use in sensitive locations such as the kitchen, but still easily removes unwanted markings including tarnish, rust, water stains, lime deposits, powder residue, oxidation, oil stains, and more.
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The solution can be used across a variety of metals, including brass, chrome, gold, bronze, platinum, copper, nickel, and aluminum, as well as plastic, marble, fiberglass, and painted surfaces. We do wish the solution was a bit more affordable as it is quite expensive per ounce when compared with other options on the market, but at least you know that it will get the job done with ease. I used this to polish a snow shovel before using the best de icer for sidewalks.
#3 Chemical Guys Heavy Metal Polish
Award: Heavy Duty Pick
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Chemical Guys Heavy Metal Polish has the heavy-duty formulaic power to clean and restore the toughest of all metal surfaces including diamond plate metalwork.
Read Full Review: Chemical Guys SPI_402_16 Restorer Protectant
- Removes light rust & oxidation
- Heavy-duty formula for tough tasks
- Both shines and protects metals
- Too abrasive for some applications
If you’ve got a heavy-duty job to complete, such as polishing diamond plate metal or car surfaces that haven’t seen the light of day for years, Chemical Guys has the perfect solution for your needs. Featuring a specialty metal polish that includes cleaners to help restore metal gloss and clarity, Heavy Metal Polish has your back. The formula not only shines aluminum, chrome, stainless steel, copper, brass, silver, and gold, but also works to protect it with protective polymers.
Chemical Guys Heavy Metal Polish is also able to remove rust stains and oxidation from most metal surfaces, including tricky billet wheels. We recommend only using this option for heavy-duty metal applications and would keep it away from more precious items such as jewelry, instead opting for a less abrasive solution. This is only for metal, so if you need to polish wood, read about the best wood polish.
#4 California Custom Products Polish
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Award: Best Deoxidizer
WHY WE LIKE IT: This combo kit from California Custom Products can not only polish metal surfaces, but remove bluing from pipes, and tackle extra rusted surfaces including chrome.
Read Full Review: California Custom Products Purple deoxidizer
- Easily restores to original finish
- Shines and protects metals
- Money-back guarantee
- Won’t work on metal platings
- Solution is toxic
California Custom Products delivers a metal polish combo kit that polishes metal surfaces including aluminum, brass, copper, chrome, silver, and steel, while also removing tough oxidation and corrosion with ease. The company’s included Purple Polish works hard to restore your metal surfaces to a shiny sheen, while the included aluminum deoxidizer sets out to remove rust – even from materials such as chrome. Best of all, if you aren’t happy with the experience, California Custom provides a no-questions-asked money-back guarantee.
The included aluminum deoxidizer does not work on all surfaces and should be kept away from paint surfaces, as well as gold and silver plating. Additionally, the formula will not work on metals that feature protective coatings. You can always use the best disc sander to prepare the surface though. Lastly, as the solution is toxic, it will need to be stored securely away from children and pets.
#5 Honda Spray Cleaner and Polish
Award: Best Spray
WHY WE LIKE IT: Honda’s Spray Cleaner and Polish is the perfect solution for applying polish in tight spaces that might otherwise be difficult to reach thanks to its handy spray head.
- Great for hard-to-reach surfaces
- Cleans, polishes, and protects metals
- Usable on aluminum, plastic, and paint
- Weaker than cream alternatives
- Harmful to the environment
From Honda’s lineup of high-performance automotive supplies comes the company’s Spray Cleaner and Polish. Featuring an aerosol spray can design, the solution can be easily applied to hard-to-reach surfaces with a simple press of your finger. Honda’s solution not only polishes your surfaces but also cleans and protects it. Supported surfaces include aluminum, chrome, paint, and plastic.
If you need a spray-can to apply your polish to tough to reach surfaces, then Honda’s Spray Cleaner and Polish is an excellent option. Otherwise, you may wish to stick to our cream suggestions that offer a bit more polishing power. The eco-concerned should also note that as this product is an aerosol, it can be harmful to the environment due to its included use of toxins. These spray cleaners work in much the same way that the best spray paint works.
Note: Other aluminum polishes worth mentioning that are not reviewed here are the Chemical Guys Aluminum Wheel Polish – rim and wheel cleaner whose key features include removing road grime and brake dust from your brake system, and the Blue Magic Metal Polish Cream that removes tarnish and oxidation on different types of aluminum and chrome. The Blue Magic is one of the best aluminum polishes, as long as you make sure to clean using a microfiber cloth or you can also use a clean cloth that removes water spots.
How We Decided
All of the aluminum polishes on our list were chosen after meeting strict criteria across several critical factors such as each polish’s formula strength, compatible metals, included additives for additional properties, and overall ease of application.
For each polish that we selected, we ensured that the strength was enough to obtain a satisfying polish. Our varied selection of strengths ensures that no matter the intense or delicate nature of your job, whether it be polished stainless steel or family heirloom jewelry, we have an option for your needs. Additionally, we considered what additives were included in each polish, with the majority of our selections, including some form of rust removal agent and a protective coating.
Each option on our list will work with aluminum, but we also ensured that our selections were more than a one-trick-pony, supporting other metals, including stainless steel, brass, copper, chrome, and bronze. A few of our picks are also compatible with precious metals, including sterling silver and solid gold. Lastly, we ensured that each solution could be easily applied and wiped away without leaving behind any traces of residue.
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Aluminium Polish Buyer’s Guide
Top Features
- Formula Strength: Selecting the correct formula for the job you have planned is critical. Some of the best aluminum polish options aren’t tough on contact but instead feature a light formula for working on more delicate metals. If you know you’ll be working in more intensive situations such as on automotive gear; you might want to opt for one of our heavy-duty selections with a stronger bite.
- Compatible Metals: It is essential first to check that the solution you plan on purchasing is compatible with the type of metal you will be applying it. Depending on the specific formula of each polish, some may not be compatible with particular metals or surfaces such as those with paint or protective coatings. Ensure your selection works with the metal surface you will be polishing.
- Oxidation Removal and Protection: Not all polishes will merely give your metal surfaces a shiny new look, some will help to remove rust, oxidation, tarnish, and more. Other polishes will include protective coatings that will protect your surfaces down the road. Depending on whether you need to remove rust, or want additional protection, you should seek out selections with these properties.
- Ease of Application: Selecting a polish that is easy to use will only make your life all that tiny bit better. Different polishes can be applied in varying ways, such as via a cream solution or a spray bottle. Hard to reach spaces may benefit from a spray, while large surfaces might see better results from a more abrasive cream polish.
