Coating alluminum oxidation?

[Beck]

The all. flat I recently purchased seems to have had water sitting in the rear of the boat for a while at some point in it's history. There is oxidation. I have wire brushed alot of it but there is some areas that I know I can not get too.<br />Like under the rear rib and under the rear waterproof storage seat.<br /><br />The boat was bought with floorboards and I eventually plan to add a front storage to increase the front deck when I do, the floor will come out. At this time I plan to do the best I can washing the rear area under the seat and under the rear rib. I also want to coat this area after it is cleaned. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated. <br /><br />I have access to a 2 part epoxy and could try to coat it the best way I can. But should it be primed first? I'm thinking a rag on the end of a wire to reach under the rib and seat slid in from the front. Think it will work?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Beck

 

[Omega-1]

Re: Coating alluminum oxidation?

Beck,<br />I understand that you are trying to remove some aluminum oxidation from the surface of the ribs of the inner hull. Aluminum oxidation is usally white in color and may be powery. You can use Muriatic acid to remove the oxidation. This is available at hardware or paint stores. If the oxidation is a light coating and not very heavy, you can mix a 25% muriatic acid/water mix, and spray it on the oxidation areas with a hand sprayer. Protect yourself from inhaling the mist and getting the acid on your skin. Also if you have any fabric or ferrous material in the area, remove it or protect it from the spray so as not to product deterioration or rust. Once you have sprayed the area, let it stand four or five hours, then you can wash it down with water and dry with fan ventilation. If there is any oxidation left after inspection when dry, if it is thick, you can scrape it off and retreat with spray solution of muriatic acid. <br /><br />Once you have removed the oxidation and the area is clean and dry, if you want to prevent recurrence of oxidation, you can spray CORROSION X spray to the area. This will protect it for a while as long as it doesn't get washed off. Epoxy coating will not necessarily protect the area from oxidation recurrence.<br /><br />Good luck, be safe, have fun.

 

[Beck]

Re: Coating alluminum oxidation?

Omega-1,<br /><br />Thanks for the reply. I was wondering about some type of caustic solution that would disolve it but wasn't sure of the strength and surely didn't want to use too strong a solution. I will probable try to paint it afterwards. I know it will have to be primed first. Will need to use a wire with cloth or something on the end to slide down the "v" under the seat and rear ribs to get paint in those areas. Maybe some type of rim cleaning brush.<br /><br />Thanks again,<br />Beck