Aluminum Horse Trailer - Problem with the finish after cleaning
Cody Wright
Reg. May 2021
Posted 2021-05-27 1:08 PM (#173724)
Subject: Aluminum Horse Trailer - Problem with the finish after cleaning


New User


Posts: 1

I took my my horse trailer for some repairs - they offered to wash it - i said ok.
They are a highly rated trailer repair facility near me.
The trailer was acid washed and then power washed.
When I picked it up it had streaks all over it - like the finish came off with the pressure wash.

I used Mother's Aluminum and meguiars when I got it home thinking polishing would repair it. Nope.

The trailer repair facility owner came out to see the trailer and said that he has never seen anything like it and isn't sure how it can be fixed except with a complete paint job - which I would prefer not to do.

He said it's an anodized trailer and the finish is probably old and came off.

Well -that's not how it went into the shop - and I should have just washed it by hand.

Does anyone have any experience with something like this? Any recommendations on how to restore / repair the finish? It looks terrible. Pic attached.



(trailer pic 1a.jpg)



Attachments
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Attachments trailer pic 1a.jpg (99KB - 3 downloads)
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RTSmith
Reg. Nov 2003
Posted 2021-05-27 3:08 PM (#173725 - in reply to #173724)
Subject: RE: Aluminum Horse Trailer - Problem with the finish after cleaning


Elite Veteran


Posts: 804
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Location: Tenn/Ala.		I might be mistaken, but I believe that is mill finish aluminum. As in just bare aluminum. Which if so, with some technique can probably be cleaned up some. Cool trailer, mild to medium strength aluminum wash, and careful washing and rinsing.  
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HappyTrailsTrailers
Reg. Apr 2016
Posted 2021-05-28 5:22 AM (#173726 - in reply to #173724)
Subject: RE: Aluminum Horse Trailer - Problem with the finish after cleaning


Member


Posts: 17

 Hello -
that was a big mistake - this is anodized - nothing you can or should do to anodized  other than mild car wash soap and rinse well -
this material was discontinued because its finish would not last long before it would develop white streaking - strangely you can wipe WD 40 on it and get a good VERY temporary result
If otherwise a great trailer and a keeper and you do not want to live with the current state: I would consider hoping materials costs come down and have the trailer alum skin replaced - painting would probably cost more than replacement of the skin 
Risa
HappyTrailsTrailers
BalancedRideTrailers
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