Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[gadgetz]

I've done some research but wanted to ask around the board about cleaning the oxidation off my aluminum trailer. Anyone have any experience with any chemical / cleaner that I can use?

[gadgetz]

Bought it used just needs some TLC and cleaning.   

[SBB]

Eric

I'm interested in the replies myself.
The Aluma sits outside and leaves and crap blows on it and leave stains.
I have used simi-chrome polish on a few spots but there's a lot of aluminum to do.

SBB

[deldago]

I have used oxcalic acid for years. It doesn't make it shine but it cleans all the stains off and leave a uniform color. I put about 1/4 pound of it in a one gallon sprayer filled with hot water and spray it on and hose it right back off. It does leave a somewhat dull finish but it cleans everything off. It works great on concrete also. I buy it on fleabay for about $3.00 a pound.http://www.ebay.com/itm/301070500084?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[SBB]

It does leave a somewhat dull finish but it cleans everything off.

Thanks deldago but if it don't shine when done, I'm out!

SBB

[DaBigNuttedMan]

a once popular way is with acid, sounds scary but its not, take muriatic [swimpool acid] break it down 10 0r 15 to 1 with water and throw it on or brush it on rinse it immediately, it will remove oxidation leave it looking kinda white, if your gonna polish it polish it  right away don't wait, this can make polishing aluminum easier as you don't have too rub thru the oxidation. experiment with a weak mixture, too strong and it will etch the aluminum. I had a trucking business and used to polish my heart away, some guys with very highly polished trucks would do exactly this to make it happen faster. Call a truck wash and ask them if they acid wash or have hotsoap or aluminum brightener. too hot an acid or too much acid washing with out ever polishing and the surface gets pourous looking. be carful watch what you splash when working and when the acid is full strength it will mess you up bad. it wont eat that plastic bottle it comes in but it will eat most everything else.

[deldago]

If you really want to see that blue reflection we used this product to buff bare aluminum on airplanes and it will blind you in direct sunshine! https://www.nuvitechemical.com/c-56-metal-polishing-nushine-ii-system.aspx. Yes it is a ton of work buffing,but after it is done it will look like a mirror! Of course it only lasts about 6 months but if they ever have a clean trailer contest at a GTG you will be a shoe in.

[FLY-DOG]

Check this product out.

http://britekleensolutions.com

[Chains]

Check this product to.

http://britekleensolutions.com

Looks pretty good and sounds like it would do the trick.   Last time I tried a product on my aluminum wheels was in 1978, sprayed it on they turned a hazy white.  Had one heck of a time getting the etching off them.

[OBB]

Try some S100 if you have some in the garage. I use it on my truck wheels all the time and it cuts the brake dust and road grime right off.

[Phantom309]

Drag it to the closest Blue Beacon truckwash (aka Streakin' Beacon) if you don't feel like screwing with chemicals at home. Don't let the slang name scare you, they do a great job and probably wouldn't charge much compared to a big truck. I have a pic of the tri axle dump I used to drive years ago after a wash from there in the cleaning/detailing section ... "how to remove black  streaks/marks from trailer" I think.

They use a good aluminum brightener or a "citrus shine" cleaner for those highly polished surfaces. The best way is to just shoot it with brightener then polish your heart out and it will look like a million bucks. Brightener or acid softens the aluminum and makes the polishing process much easier than trying to polish through the oxidation.

If you attempt the cleaning yourself always start from the bottom and work your way up or you will streak it. Most importantly, DO NOT let the chemicals dry on the surface or do it in the sun.   

[VaEagle]

You may want to check out this line of Sharkhide products to clean, shine and protect metal......( I have not used them though I have seen good reviews on shows.)
http://www.sharkhide.com/

[Boatman]

You may want to check out this line of Sharkhide products to clean, shine and protect metal......( I have not used them though I have seen good reviews on shows.)
http://www.sharkhide.com/

Sharkhide is a great product.  Once you get the look of the aluminum the way you want it, apply the Sharkhide sealer/protectant and it will keep that aluminum surface looking the same way for years.

The easiest time to apply Sharkhide is on new aluminum.  Simply wash the trailer and wipe on the Sharkhide.  It is clear like lacquer thinner but drys in a few seconds and seals the aluminum from the air.

Once a trailer looks like the one pictured at the top of the thread, there is no miracle product that I know of that doesn't require a buffer. polish, and a whole lot of time and effort.  If you do put in that effort and get the shine, then apply the Sharkhide on that trailer and it will keep that trailer looking great for years.

Sharkhide was developed for pontoon boat logs.  Some of the better boat builders now apply Sharkhide at the factory.