how to shine aluminum rails?

chads30

Cadet
Joined
Mar 21, 2008
Messages
18
I was cleaning my older pontoon boat and I guess some of the chemicals were to harsh for the aluminum rails around the boat.
What is a good product to make aluminum shine and look close to new again?
Thanks in advance
 

MikDee

Banned
Joined
Jun 6, 2007
Messages
4,745
Re: how to shine aluminum rails?

I've had good results with WD-40 sprayed on, & wiped down, it preserves too,,, or, Gel Gloss fiberglas, & metal polish from Home Depot, or Lowes, by the way, (Seapower boat wax) is the same exact thing.
 

Captain Paul

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 31, 2005
Messages
143
Re: how to shine aluminum rails?

Mothers makes a paste that works well, as does 3M. Another great product is this link below. I really prefer it to a paste in many applications. If you do use a paste, start with a small amout in a small area. A little dab will do ya.

Shine on

http://www.nevrdull.com/Where.htm
 

TheWoodCrafter

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 20, 2007
Messages
414
Re: how to shine aluminum rails?

It sounds like the cleaner you used etched the aluminum. This may take some mechanical pollishing. I would think any aluminum wheel pollish would clean it up. That and some elbow grease.
 

captain zac

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 15, 2007
Messages
270
Re: how to shine aluminum rails?

Flitz

with buffing wheel on drill
 

Captain Paul

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 31, 2005
Messages
143
Re: how to shine aluminum rails?

Almost forgot, Mothers Power Ball (foam-2 sizes) Works good with paste, like the flitz tip from captain zac.
 

budsbud662

Seaman
Joined
Apr 15, 2008
Messages
66
Re: how to shine aluminum rails?

as long as they are not ribbed wet sanding with fine sand paper works.. use lower grit for bigger scratchs, work up.. buff off with mothers. your rails will look like mirrors, i promise! i ussually finish with 1600 or 2000 grit. then hand buff with mothers.. its time consuming, but very very worth it for intricate detail!
 

jeeperman

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 2, 2001
Messages
1,513
Re: how to shine aluminum rails?

Be careful. The rails on mine are anodized. Anything that has abrasive in it will eventually remove that thin layer.
Which will allow the underlying aluminum to corrode like you never saw before.
And you will have to polish and wax for ever more.
 
Top