How to get that brushed aluminium finish on rims?

[MartyC]

I am after doing something a little different on a pair of Araya Aero rims and am thinking that instead of doing the usual bling thing and that I would go for a brushed finish. 

So, what would be the best way to get that brushed look on the rims and to get it even looking?

[oldschoolace]

Cupped piece of wet or dry in one hand, drop the rim in the paper and rotate the rim with your other hand 

[oldschoolace]

Depending on the "grade" of brushed effect you want you could also use a good quality wire wool 

[bmxbandit]

WIRE WOOL !! 

use wet and dry 1200 or 1000 grade
use water and fairy liquid as well
cup the paper in your hand and grip the wheel then rotate round the rim

hope makes sense 

[jimwise68]

Marty, put wheels on bike and then ride really fast through a long, dense bramble bush. 

[Mattdub]

Marty, put wheels on bike and then ride really fast through a long, dense bramble bush. 

 

[MartyC]

Marty, put wheels on bike and then ride really fast through a long, dense bramble bush. 

I did think about that but the thorns in the bramble bushes here are like the prawns; fooking huge!

[steve69]

My thoughts on the above proposed methods are...

I don't think you will get an even finish between/around the raised spoke holes using the 'paper in a cupped hand' method 

I would think a fine Scotch-brite pad used in the same way would be more successful.

 

[fischflo]

/>this guy uses acetone before the sponge scrub sction -?-, then sands it a little ............gives that stripey look 
Probably the acetone is simply to remove any finish. Brushed sounds good for rims, but just in case:
....perhaps you can get a more dull 'blasted' look by breaking up the long strokes into a trembling motion.
And/or by skipping the sand paper step ....   (hard to see the preliminary restult in the vid though)

or sand/bead/soda blast it 

[fischflo]

- DIY Soda Blaster 

[58 delray]

Marty, put wheels on bike and then ride really fast through a long, dense bramble bush. 

I did think about that but the thorns in the bramble bushes here are like the prawns; fooking huge!

send me some of those prawns then mate   

[Rabdul06]

Ive done this on a set of PC rims using wire wool. Also used wire wool on seat clamps and brakes etc before spraying them up with that anno looking paint....good stuff.

[BADDH]

My thoughts on the above proposed methods are...

I don't think you will get an even finish between/around the raised spoke holes using the 'paper in a cupped hand' method 

I would think a fine Scotch-brite pad used in the same way would be more successful.

 

He's right your know, I have done this many times, works a treat. 

[MartyC]

My thoughts on the above proposed methods are...

I don't think you will get an even finish between/around the raised spoke holes using the 'paper in a cupped hand' method 

I would think a fine Scotch-brite pad used in the same way would be more successful.

 

Scotchbrite pads have been purchased, hoping to make a start this week and will do some before and after pics.  A little test makes me think wire wool around the spoke holes then the scotchbrite 
He's right your know, I have done this many times, works a treat.