Cleaning (polishing) up aluminium

[chilifriedpork]

I have a 12ft cartop boat that's outsides need cleaning. It's not so much dirt, but about 30 odd years of EVERYTHING that has had a chance to stick to the aluminium.<br /><br />My theory is to get a variable speed buffer with possibly a somewhat adhesive pad on it with some sort of metal (preferably aluminium) cleaner.<br /><br />Does anyone have any ideas as what method would be the best/most efficient.<br /><br />Thanks a bunch

 

[trumpetbucks]

Re: Cleaning (polishing) up aluminium

I don't think I would use anything abrasive on an aluminum hull. There used to be a great metal cleaner (everything from silver to stainless) called SemiChrome that I could only find in motorcycle shops around here. I had read that bell choirs used it to polish their bells, because any abrasiveness at all means you are removing metal and therefore getting the bells "out of tune." I used it on my silver trumpets and was very pleased. I ran out a year or so ago and haven't been able to locate any more around here.

 

[NathanY]

Re: Cleaning (polishing) up aluminium

Blue Magic works great and so does 3M Pontoon Restorer. <br /><br />A cheap way to do it is use a corn starch paste.

 

[akriverrat]

Re: Cleaning (polishing) up aluminium

do a web search for simichrome. if you want to start fresh and get rid of everything including paint...napa spray can of decal remover.

 

[DJ]

Re: Cleaning (polishing) up aluminium

I was waiting for someone to mention corn starch.<br /><br />Perfectly safe, non toxic and environmentally friendly.

 

[fishingkid]

Re: Cleaning (polishing) up aluminium

What about mothers aluminum wheel polish? I used a little of this on my truck rims where there was a little rust from the tire machine scrapping when they put tires on. All I did was put on and let sit for a couple of minutes and whipe off. Made them shine like new. Someone here should know if this is okay or not but it is a thought I figured I would throw out there.

 

[NathanY]

Re: Cleaning (polishing) up aluminium

Actually, Djohns, you are the one that told me about cornstarch about a year ago!

 

[Fergulus]

Re: Cleaning (polishing) up aluminium

There's a metal polish called Flitz. Ive used it on everything except steel and iron, and it works great. It would probably be very easy to apply some to a buffing wheel, or something along those lines.<br /><br />www.flitz.com<br /><br />Hope you find what you're looking for!

 

[billfishfla]

Re: Cleaning (polishing) up aluminium

go to ebay and type in Aluminum cleaner / polish /protector