Bicycle Mechanics - Sandpaper Troubles!

I'm hoping to get some feedback from some frame finishing know-it-alls,

My problem is this: I wanted to remove some light rust from my 4130 chromoly frame. It's lusters a brilliant shine in all areas unaffected by the rust. After looking through a few forums, I decided on using some very fine sandpaper to remove the rust, and for the most part, it worked.

However, in doing so I lost the natural shine of my chromoly frame in those areas! I've tried using some chrome polish-rust remover (turtle wax brand), and I have yet to achieve that previous mirror like finish my frame had in those spots. Do I need a high speed buffer to fix this? What am I going to do, what can I do to get my shiny mirror finish back!

Thanks in advance,

howardtr

Ooooooooh, the sandpaper scratched your plating. Shoulda used some 0000 steel wool, but that's water under the bridge.
If it's only small areas (and when I say small, I mean 1 square inch or less), you COULD try a Dremel tool, with some wool or cotton buffs and some metal polishing compound. Ideally, a stand polisher is what you'd want, but holding the frame to the wheel would be difficult at best. A few weeks ago I polished a set of aluminum automotive wheels with the cotton buffs and they work well, but wear quickly. It's also a drag to get the compound onto the buff, but it can be done.
Here's a link if you can't find them anywhere.

http://www.eastwood.com/jump.jsp?itemID=434&itemType=CATEGORY&iMainCat=433&iSubCat=434&page=1

And the compounds

http://www.eastwood.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=842&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=433&iSubCat=435&iProductID=842

Duane,

What are the limitations/drawbacks to using a quality dremel tool for polishing applications? Time?

-howardtr

Yes, it's slow going. To properly polish metal, pressure is a good thing, which is tough to get with a dremel. So just replace pressure with diligence. :) Take your time and you should have good results.

You can also try using automotive rubbing compound and polishing compound and a terry cloth rag. Start with the rubbing compound and work it in with a slightly moist terry cloth, going in circular motions. Wipe it clean, then move to the polishing compound, work it in as well, wipe it clean, and go back to the chrome polish to see if you've done enough.

Next time, use the 0000 steel wool... A wad of aluminum foil also does a good job on shining up chrome and removing surface rust.

peace,
sam