Recommendations for Rubbing compund and Sealer on Aluminum, heavily oxidized.

SDJ_2016

Cadet
Joined
Jul 31, 2018
Messages
14
I recently purchased a 1994 StarCraft Islander aluminum riveted hull. The paint is heavily oxidized and appears to have been neglected for about 10 years. Any suggestions on a rubbing compound, wax and sealing program for the upper surfaces?
 

GT1000000

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jul 13, 2011
Messages
4,916
Heavily oxidized paint can be restored to like new condition if there is enough of it left to rub, buff and polish...
That being said, there are tons of products on the market that will do the job.
The biggest concern you will have is if there is enough material left to bring back the shine.
I would start with a good soap and water washing then use the mildest product (maybe a wax/polish) and test in a couple of fairly inconspicuous areas.
Areas most directly exposed to the sun re going to be more "worn out" than others.
No matter what you do, there will always be the possibility of breaking thru the paint to whatever is underneath, either primer, older colors or the aluminum underneath.
At which time you have three choices, live with it, respray, or strip to bare aluminum.
I would work by hand exclusively. Even though it will be much more time consuming, it will give you more control over the amount of material you remove.
Machine polishing should be left to those with the experience, although, they too, can break through the finish...
Best of luck and be sure to let us know how things work out.
 

Downwindtracker2

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 25, 2008
Messages
110
A random orbit sander, mine is a 5" Bosch, with a wax applicator pad sure saves elbow grease. The Bosch wax applicator pads are pricy, gentle though. Use a car wax, not polishing compound . With wax you are filling, polishing compound you are removing finish. That's why the hand caution. Using polishing compounds is quite involved , it's a trade in itself. How To is a long YouTube watch.

For raw aluminum, very fine scotch bright pads cut to fit your RO will bring up a decent finish. They are tough on the velcro backing plate.
 
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