Cleaning Aluminum

EARLS BOAT · #1 May 2nd, 2009, 12:46 AM

WHAT IS GOOD FOR CLEANING ALUMINUM THAT HAS NOT BEEN CLEANED SINCE 1989?

I WANT TO GET OUT THE DARK SPOTS AND POLISH TO A SHINE.

Drowned Rat · #2 May 2nd, 2009, 01:44 AM

Nev-R-Dull.

Home Depot sells it.

dave11 · #3 May 2nd, 2009, 03:43 AM

Then put a couple of coats of Sharkhide on it.

5150abf · #4 May 2nd, 2009, 06:56 AM

A power buffer will help too, alot of rubbing to get a boat to shine.

Mothers aluminum polish is also really good.

Ram58 · #5 May 2nd, 2009, 08:59 AM

If the aluminum is really dull you may want to start with an acid solution to get it clean prior to polishing. You can purchase acid for aluminum at most tractor-trailer vendors. I used to use it on my Bass Tracker and it really cleaned the black off. You mix with water in a bucket and use a car wash brush.

woosterken · #6 May 2nd, 2009, 08:47 PM

take it to a semi truck wash,have the use the acid wash they use on semi fuel tanks and wheels.
then get blue magic aluminum polish (at the truck stop) or mother's
and a power buffer.
thats how the tanks and wheels look so good on semi trucks

woosterken

EARLS BOAT · #7 May 3rd, 2009, 12:11 AM

i had thought of using acid but was'nt sure if i should. i have a can of never dull it did clean it up some but not as well as i'd like.

woosterken · #8 May 3rd, 2009, 12:17 AM

yes ,you have to break the oxidation off of it, then polish it. thats how those wheels and fuel tanks on semis look like chrome.
use a buffer you will get a deeper shine then put a coat of good wax on it to seal it.

woosterken

Ram58 · #9 May 3rd, 2009, 09:07 AM

And after you do all this and have your boat polished up like chrome, be sure to have plenty of SPF 1,000 to cover up while on the water. Hehe

EARLS BOAT · #10 May 4th, 2009, 12:58 AM

so i will need to give it a acid bath then polish and buff? i work for a company that builds aluinum trailers sometimes we have to acidized the ones that come in for repair. maybe this is the same acid? i'll ask my boss for some and try it.

AMD Rules · #11 May 4th, 2009, 02:22 AM

Here's some great examples.... if you're looking for a mirror finish.

http://www.perfectpolish.com/

I have a 12ft aluminum boat just begging me to try that method out, but haven't had the opportunity yet.

EARLS BOAT · #12 May 4th, 2009, 10:21 PM

Now Thats A Shine!! That Is A Little Shiner Than I'd Like, But It Does Look Good. I Dont Think My Bass Tracker Would Ever Shine Like That! I Used Some Acid Today. I Sprayed It On And Let It Set For A Few Minutes And Sprayed It Off With A Garden Hose. It Cleaned A Lot Of The Black Off But Now It Is Streaked! I Am Going To Try Some More Acid And Use A Brush And A Power Washer Then I Will Get Around To Polishing And Buffing. Wish Me Luck!

Ram58 · #13 May 5th, 2009, 06:38 AM

When using the acid solution, you do not want to let it stand. If you mix according to the directions, use a car wash brush and elbow grease. If you wash an area top to bottom and spray it off with water it should not streak.