what to use on polished aluminum

[Nunyas]

I, like many others, like a nice polished aluminum finish. A couple of years ago, I polished the aluminum valve cover on my daily driver. While living in LA, it was fine as bare polished aluminum. I would only have to dust it off and maybe clean it up a little with Never Dull once in a long while. A year after moving to Tennessee, I found that it's going to take a lot more work to maintain the finish on the part. At this point in time, the valve cover has to say the least lost its sheen and corroded. I need to take the part out of the car and polish it again. I'd like to apply a finishing sealant or whatever, similar to what OEMs do for polished aluminum parts, to prevent (or at the very least reduce the likelihood of) it corroding in the future. It is a valve cover, so it will get hot, though not as hot as exhaust manifolds/headers...

I've briefly looked at VHT clear engine enamel, Eastwood's Diamond Clear for bare metal, POR15 Glisten, and Dupli-Color clear ceramic... I'm not sure what the best approach is to sealing a polished surface is. Does anyone have any insights, tips, or recommendations?

Thanks in advance

 

[Nunyas]

Well, after hours more research, I found out (discovered the purpose of, rather) about adhesion promoter. From what I can tell, it's like a clear primer. So, I've decided to go with Dupli-color adhesion promoter, and Dupli-color ceramic clear engine paint. We'll see how this goes... If it doesn't last, I suppose POR15 Glisten is up next... though I'm not sure how well it'll bond with aluminum...

 

[kennypinkerton]

Clear anodizing would probably be best, powdercoat or cerakote probably just as good. I've read the the POR Glisten leaves a slight haze.

 

[LarryK]

Shark Hide is supposed to protect polished aluminum from heat and moisture.

 

[AngliaGT]

Simichrome seems to work for cleaning.