1968 aluminum trim on starcraft - how to restore and maintain?

[Saxist]

So I've got myself ALOT of aluminum trim and edging and such on this boat and it's all there, but has to be sanded back...

I'm thinking I sand it all back 400 grit to get pits and any scrapes out. Then sand it 800, then wetsanded 1000 directionally. I'll use a scuff pad to give it a nice brushed look.

How do I protect/treat all this trim? I want low maintenance, but a high class appearance is important to me too.

 

[sphelps]

Add some Mothers Aluminum polish to your list .. I hear SharkHide is a product some are using to maintain shine ...
Sorry just re read your post . If you want a brushed look no need to go to 1000 grit I would think .
I thought you wanted it to shine .. Stainless wire wheel will give it a brushed look ..

 

[jbcurt00]

Scuffed in 1 direction w a maroon scuff pad will give you brushed look.

Whatever aluminum surface you cover w SharkHude stays that way just a little less shiny. Not mat finish, not really satin or semi-gloss either IMO, just not shiny.

If you polish, protected and buffed/toweled off regularly, depending on use, hand, salt, water exposure, may only need prep & buffed once a season or 2.

 

[Saxist]

My issue was the corrosion was so deep and I wasn't spending enough time on heavy grit.

I have found that sanding with a quality orbital 120 grit for way longer than I really want (this aluminum alloy is harder to sand than the aluminum I'm used too...), Then hit it again with orbital 320 grit. Then straight to the directional motion with the maroon pad.

This has given me quality results with the majority of time spent on the 120.

 

[Saxist]

Like the gouge in this pic? I could get that smoothed away no time flat with 400 grit but I have to spend multiple minutes on the corrosion right next to it at 120!!!