Depending on the type of valve cover you have, there are different methods for polishing them. The common types are cast, aluminum and chrome. Cast valve covers are usually painted with high temperature engine paint. Certain chemicals should not be used on the different types of valve covers or you may mar the surface.
Instructions
1. Clean painted valve covers with warm soap and water. You can use a rag or a brush dipped in the warm, soapy water to clean them. Dry them with a towel. The paint should come out looking new again.
2. Remove the paint on cast valve covers and repaint them. Remove the valve covers from the vehicle. Using paint remover, strip the paint. Paint with fresh high temperature paint and let set per the manufacturer’s instructions. Reinstall the valve covers.
3. Remove excess oil and dirt from chrome valve covers with a damp rag. Go over the valve covers a second time with a clean damp rag. Go over them with a chrome cleaner, such as Flitz.
4. Dry the valve covers thoroughly with a soft, dry rag or a chamois. Tie any wires out of the way. Polish chrome valve covers with a chrome polish such as Flitz Stainless Steel and Chrome Polish.
5. Clean aluminum valve covers with soap and warm water. Be sure to dry it thoroughly, as aluminum does not have a protective sealant and rusts easily.
6. Pre-polish aluminum valve covers with aluminum compound. This removes any oxidation or discoloration on the aluminum. It also creates a smooth finish.
7. Polish the valve covers with fine aluminum polish. Aluminum polish has ultra fine abrasives that remove small imperfections on uncoated aluminum and it makes bare metals take on a like-new shine.
8. Polish the valve covers with a product such as Wolfgang MetalWerk Concours Aluminum Polish. This product is made to create a high-gloss, high-shine finish.
9. Finish off your project by sealing the newly polished valve covers. Using a metal sealant removes any polish residue that might be left behind and forms a topcoat that will block moisture and air, therefore reducing the risk of oxidation and discoloring from the moisture in the air.
