Aluminum Restoration

[ImperialV184]

Hello, does anyone know the best way to refinish some aluminum frames. I have some frames that go around the ski locker and a cooler on the floor and the frames are very scratched and have a few spots where it is pitting. I tried steel wool but it did not seam to make headway. Apretiate any help.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Aluminum Restoration

Watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyOodLNI4BQ

It's amazing what you can do to that stuff with the right tools.

 

[ImperialV184]

Re: Aluminum Restoration

excellent, thanks for the link. Will start with eh sand paper, it is a little delicate so i will try to do the buffing with my dremel. I am sure they sell something for doing this, i may even have some wire wheels already, I would be pretty happy with that shine in the video.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Aluminum Restoration

Do you mean polish alum .. or refinish ? kinda two different things there ..

Nevr-dul works good for a polish .. refinishing .. might require a mini sand blaster and steps to bring it up ready to paint.

Let us know what your intentions are .. pics would help too ..

YD.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Aluminum Restoration

Anodized aluminum will not finish out like the video above without removing the anodization. You don't want to use sand paper or steel wool on anodized aluminum. It will scatch off all the anodization and then you will be left with aluminum that will lose its luster/oxidize in a short period of time.

What you can use is ,Woodys Wax aluminum restore polish. You spray it on, let it soak for 24 hrs, then polish with (BRONZE) wool.

 

[ImperialV184]

Re: Aluminum Restoration

What i am talking about it an aluminum frame that goes around the openings of the deck and has a lip that allows an access door. Once I complete the deck and cut the new openings these frames will be inserted, then i will build the access doors. They look to be fairly weathered and scratched, they are going to be stepped on all the time so they do not need to be perfect. You can see the frames in the attached picture. They are full of dirt and grim right now, i did clean them off with some degreaser. When i started to use steel wool it did look like a coating (like a clear coat) was rubbing off so i stopped. Polishing may not be the right term for what i am trying to do.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Aluminum Restoration

Simply put man, if it is anodized (coated)aluminum. You will not be able to restore them by sanding off all the anodization. Once that coating is gone, it is gone and the aluminum will oxidize badly and look terrable. If they look very bad, you may want to consider having them powder coated. The woodys wax that I previously mentioned is a conditioner. It did wonders on my hardtop tubing. You use bronze wool, not steel wool.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Aluminum Restoration

I painted my windshield frame black and it looks pretty cool.