Posted 2011-05-20 8:32 PM (#134257) Subject: Help cleaning polished Aluminum
Member
Posts: 7
Location: Charlo, MT
We recently upgraded to a new to us previously owned trailer, and I have been hard at work making it ours. I am trying to find a product to clean the polished aluminum panels that run along the sides. The trailer is only a few years old, so there can not be too much buildup on it. I have tried a few RV cleaning products and they work great on the painted surfaces, but I am having problems finding something that will clean the aluminum. I did try an aluminum rim cleaner that works well, but it leaves a film that has to be polished off and I think there has to be an easier way. Has anyone tried using an acid wash on polished aluminum? I am sure that I will need to do some polishing to get some of the tuff spots, but what can I use to get the bulk of the grime off.
Posted 2011-05-20 11:18 PM (#134258 - in reply to #134257) Subject: RE: Help cleaning polished Aluminum
Member
Posts: 24
Could you tell me what you used on the painted surfaces? I need to really clean my trailer - only been through Truck wash - and it's got streaks and is just dirty. What RV cleaner did you use? And can you power wash the painted surfaces? thx
Posted 2011-05-20 11:50 PM (#134260 - in reply to #134257) Subject: RE: Help cleaning polished Aluminum
Member
Posts: 7
Location: Charlo, MT
I used "Black Streak Remover" made by Camco. Like I said it worked well on the painted surfaces, but doesn't work as well on the aluminum. They recommend diluting it on a 10 to 1 for the aluminum surfaces, I didn't get any results on the aluminum, so I used what I had mixed up on the painted surfaces, and it worked fine. I wouldn't say its the best product, but on the painted surfaces it does what it claims to, so I would probably buy it again.
Posted 2011-05-21 9:26 PM (#134270 - in reply to #134257) Subject: RE: Help cleaning polished Aluminum
Member
Posts: 21
Location: Water Vally, Alberta, Cdn
I am in the process of cleaning the polished aluminum planking on my 2001 4 Star, I believe it has been acid washed at one time. I have spent hundreds of dollars on cleaning products and have found that "easy" does not exist. The best product I have found is "Flitz Metal, Plastic & Fiberglass polish" www.flitz.com and the "PowerBall" they sell that attaches to a drill, but it is still a lot of work! They had a display at the trade show at the NFR and people standing around said it was a good product... After using it, the aluminum shaun like new, EXCEPT: for the marks made by the acid washing (which resemble water marks) now I am applying 3M rubbing compound, buy hand (BIG JOB) to remove the acid marks, but I am looking for a way to machine buff it. So Far I have 1/6th of the trailer done. If I can figure out how to attach the before and after photos on this site I will.
(PS: Shari at Flitz is very nice and helpful and will help you with any questions)
Posted 2011-05-22 4:32 PM (#134287 - in reply to #134257) Subject: RE: Help cleaning polished Aluminum
Member
Posts: 21
Location: Water Vally, Alberta, Cdn
I lied... I'm trying one more time, as I think that most of you would be very suprised at the differance. If it doesn't work I will send the pics to anyone that PM's me with an Email address. Wish me luck.
Posted 2011-05-23 6:59 AM (#134297 - in reply to #134257) Subject: RE: Help cleaning polished Aluminum
Member
Posts: 21
Location: Water Vally, Alberta, Cdn
Soundhorse, on their video and web site they use a "cyclone" or two head polisher for the last stage of poliching. I am not about to go out and buy one, what is it that you use?
Posted 2011-05-23 8:23 AM (#134302 - in reply to #134257) Subject: RE: Help cleaning polished Aluminum
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
"Homeowner" automotive buffers are available for far less, than the dual head random orbit industrial polishers. They are available in 12V and 110V variants. If you have a random orbit wood sander, polishing bonnets are available that use the hook and loop or tie on bonnets for the PSA pads.
It's wise to use a random orbit sander instead of a circular polisher/sander. If the latter isn't used correctly, with its high speeds, you can quickly burn through the thin layer of paint on the trailer, or create swirl marks using an overly aggressive polishing compound. The random orbit units will do an excellent job, with a minimal amount of risk. They work well for both polishing and wax applications.
A search on the internet will reveal compounds, that clean, polish and protect bare aluminum. If you search under marine and aircraft sources, you will find some excellent products that have been well known and used for many years.
Help cleaning polished Aluminum
