Ok, so this sounds like a silly question - can a bare (not polished) aluminum trailer *with stripes* be acid washed? Any better/safer/easier suggestions?
Thanks!
Posted 2011-05-06 2:29 PM (#133894 - in reply to #133786) Subject: RE: acid washing trailer w/stripes
Expert
Posts: 1723
Location: michigan
I have a Exiss that has graphics and I have used Zep-A-Lume as a wash with no damage to the graphics. It cleans up the trailer really nice...looks like new. Just don't use it on Stainless steel.
Posted 2011-05-06 4:03 PM (#133897 - in reply to #133892) Subject: RE: acid washing trailer w/stripes
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
Originally written by crowleysridgegirl on 2011-05-06 2:33 PM
Gard do you recommend a good citrus wash? Available at Auto Zone,O'Reilley's,etc?
Most of the trailer owners of whom I am familiar, have their trailers acid or citrus washed at commercial truck stops. We have a few locally situated shops and you're usually in and out in a half an hour or so. If you consider the considerable amount of hand labour, for the application of products such as Streakmaster, the cost of a wash is a bargan and not out of line.
My trailers are white painted smooth skin over bare aluminum extruded siding. Each also has installed decals. I use a product from Walmart, their RV wash. It cleans, doesn't streak and involves no rubbing. Our two trailers don't look absolutely new, but considering they are both a decade old and are constantly exposed to the elements, they are quite presentable with little effort.
I don't know the particular names of industrial citrus washes. Awsome Orange costs $1 each, three or four in a bucket with water would probably clean a trailer. Tractor Supply has a few cleaners available, any painted surface can be cleaned with any automotive product.