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Cleaning Old Aluminium


cupster

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hi raiders,I have an old unpainted aluminium boat that i would like clean up.does anyone know the best product/method i can use to put back a little shine in the old girl? cheers,h4l :biggrin2:

You can try Autosol but it will take a long time to cover the whole boat.. I'd go to a trailer boat seller and ask how they detail tinnies OR ask if they can do it for you, if you can afford it.

Let us know how you go

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hi raiders,I have an old unpainted aluminium boat that i would like clean up.does anyone know the best product/method i can use to put back a little shine in the old girl? cheers,h4l :biggrin2:

Hi.

It's called oxidisation of the metel. Leave it on. it's a protective coating...Also called Character.

Old and weathered. Like me at 66.

Macka17

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The dullness on a old tinny is the oxidised layer of aluminium that is actually protecting it from corrosion. Light wash with a soft detergent to get contaminants off is the best thing but if you want it to be shiny I get advice from the boat sellers. I've heard of them useing light acid washes and spray silicon to get a consistant colour etc etc but in the end it is only a visual pretty thing for the lot and old aluminium is different to the modern stuff a little as well in it's original finish.

New boats are shiny as they are pressed from polished sheet.

Edit :: I must have still been typing while Macka posted!!!

Edited by pelican
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Good decision... last year i repainted mine and i had it all back to bare metal. More than anything, it takes a bugger load of elbow grease. From memory, i used some liquid you dilute a bit, with a piece of steel wool, and a wire brush. Doesnt take long for the shine to dissapear on the bare parts!!

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People, there is a product called "Blitz". It is a form of phosphoric acid and is designed for cleaning aluminium and stainless steel. It is a pink liquid about the consistency of detergent and available from selected Bu++++ings stores - 4ltr bottle about $30. Simply spray on and leave for about 20mins, then hose off. I have cleaned and painted 4 tinnys over the last 5 yrs and have used this for the last 2. Excellent product. I have about 2 ltrs you can have free if you want it to try out to see if it's good for you but you'd have to pick it up from Putney/Ryde area.

PM me or give me a buzz on 0402 110 666 and I can describe the processes to you.

Cheers, Russ

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