Sanding rims with #2000 grit questions

[Nomad2day]

Ok,
I have scratches and salt stains and God knows what else on my rear rim. Polishing them never did any good so I said lets sand them out and start over. Ok, I don't know what I am doing but enough people said use #2000 and go for it so I am.
Couple of questions...

(1) First I cleaned the rim by washing
(2) I then used a Prep all product that is a wax and grease removal and couple of times to clean them some more.
(3) I have a bucket of water and a hose.
(4) Keeping the sandpaper wet I am sanding in one direction back and forth. Do I need to do this or does it matter if I use a circular motion.
I will rinse it good and dy it and then again use the prep removal. I have only done the inner and outer on the rim. I do not want to start in the middle until I know what directions I must use around the spokes.
(5) When done sanding do I just use a good polish, put it on with a powerball or what?
(6) Should I seal them now that I am sanding them down and polishing them?

I am open to suggestions so lets play.
Here are the pics so far Gasman...
Lee, this is for you brother.....
Neil in Tenn

 

[Nomad2day]

Some more of the same..
Gasman said you can never have enough pictures.
Neil in Tenn

 

[lee]

Neil - I can't make any suggestions but looking at that I would say more of the same for the rest of the wheel - looks like it came out real good - I would definitely seal it once you have the finish you are looking for - is it smooth? it looks it

 

[lee]

thinking about it the only suggestion I would make would be to take the wheels off - probably make life a lot easier

 

[Nomad2day]

Kept on sanding
Neil in Tenn

 

[Vegas]

Looks like you have the most important part covered. The beer! You have a lot of work ahead of you!

 

[Nomad2day]

Yea Lee it is smooth as can be....
I may take the wheel off in the end but today it is on. I also sanded the middle before stopping. I have not done the spokes themselves. It has really cleaned them up. I figured I am going to do all my work from here on out so I am diving in.
Neil in Tenn

 

[waternazzi]

Ok heres the deal,IF you think your done wet sanding and all of the scratches and gouges are out start the polishing process.I use mothers & wizards products(wizards metal polish" &" wizards power seal" but anyways when you think you've got it looking like tits then and only then do you seal the aluminum DON'T SEAL ANYTHING WITHOUT POLISHING IT FIRST!!! let me how it go's or not....

 

[Nomad2day]

Thanks waternazzi,
I have lots of work left anyway on them. I have not done the spokes yet. Do you have to move in one direction when sanding or does it matter? I need to order some Wizard stuff anyway. The weather is going to be crap here all week so I will plug away. Got to work next weekend too.
Thanks,
Neil

 

[waternazzi]

Yes PLEASE in one direction if you don't you'll soon see why..

 

[waternazzi]

Oh and another thing all ways keep the water flowing when you wet sanding.

 

[slowrower]

I go through 2000 wet/dry paper like beer .. I use a circular motion where possible and back-and-forth in tighter spaces. I am working on the Carb backing plate now after grinding off the markings, flashing from the mould and more I use 220 grit wet/dry paper to sand it smooth (if you have deep gouges you may need a stronger grit paper to get it out). After the 220, I move on the 600, 1200, 2000 and then buffing with a powerball. You can also get an adapter for your drill so you can use 6" buffing pads with buffing compound - this works great for real ugly rims. Take your time, keep the beer flowing and before you know it your done. :2thumbs:

BTW: White Automotive Rubbing Compound is very close to 2000 grit, the red or heavy duty is about 1200. I would suggest using a powerball and the white light duty rubbing compound it works great and will get the job done faster.

 

[Nomad2day]

Thanx,
Got it....
water flowing....
The rims had mostly scratches and surface crap from the salt oxidizing on the rims. Some dark spots that would never come out. This is a hoot. Fridge is in the garage stocked and back pain pills in the cabinet. Not afraid to jump in and learn. I am 51, too old to know better...
Neil in Tenn

 

[slowrower]

Thanx,
Got it....
water flowing....
The rims had mostly scratches and surface crap from the salt oxidizing on the rims. Some dark spots that would never come out. This is a hoot. Fridge is in the garage stocked and back pain pills in the cabinet. Not afraid to jump in and learn. I am 51, too old to know better...
Neil in Tenn

I gotta a few years on ya Neil .. you can't screw the rims up so keep rubbing and polishing.

 

[waternazzi]

Let me tell ya chrome is nice and easy to work with, but as you'll soon see you can get the aluminim to look as good or better but it's a working progress.i know after 8 hrs. of polishing my dick beaters hurt to. ha ha