Or is it cosmetic. I could not find anything else to clean them.
The oxidation on the back is pretty bad.
Removing oxidation from aluminum boat. Jul 14 2014. I realize there are pros and cons regarding cleaning oxidation from an aluminum boat. Mine is a 1985 SeaNymph 14R V-hull Big Water.
I mainly wanted to clean not necessarily highly polish to remove the rough chalky oxidation primarily above the waterline prior to completion of sealing seams and replacing rivets in the hullbow area. Unlike the old sandpaper and rubbing compound technology which cuts away a layer of aluminum from the surface Alumabuff only removes the damaged oxide surface and cleans the grain so there is minimal damage to your pontoons. Also its much faster cleaner and environment friendly.
When aluminium oxidises it forms its own protective surface layer. Removing that layer will only cause the Al to start the process over again. Do it enough and you wont have a mast left.
The only way to circumvent the process is to apply a permanent non-permeable protective layer - such as paint. PAR Yacht DesignerBuilder. Penetrol an oil based conditioner for alkyd paints will remove the oxidization with elbow grease and ScotchBrite pad if necessary though as mentioned the oxidation is aluminums natural protective coating.
Rub on scrub as needed then buff off. To effectively remove oxidation and deep scratches the surface of your boats hull needs to be abraded starting with wet sanding in severe cases or more commonly by using a polishing compound. The use of marine grade formulas such as Crush Liquid Compound or Riptide Liquid Compound will quickly and effectively remove oxidation from the surface exposing fresh gel coat and fiberglass.
To create this magical elixir simply combine a quart of distilled water with two tablespoons of the acidic liquid of your choosing and stir. With a little bit of elbow grease ample amounts of exposure time and a dash of luck you should be able to remove most garden variety forms of aluminum corrosion. To remove aluminum oxidation clean the surface prepare an acid solution apply it with a stiff brush and scrub away the oxidation stains.
If necessary follow up with sandpaper to remove pits and lingering oxidation on the aluminum. Fill a bucket with hot water. Regular freshwater washingincluding proper drying as oxidation thrives in moisturealong with regular waxing will help prevent oxidation.
But it helps to be aware of the signs of oxidation so you can immediately set about repairing it before it gets worse. Its difficult to get rid of oxidation completely especially if its deeply set in the metal. Once youve smoothed out the aluminum surface apply an aluminum polish and sealer using a clean cloth.
BoatLIFEs aluminum cleaner is a very effective aluminum polish and protectant that not only brightens but defends the aluminum from further oxidation and pitting. The white stuff on your boat is aluminum that has changed into aluminum oxide. Aluminum oxide is rusted aluminum.
Or is it cosmetic. Aluminum oxidation produces a protective coating that prevents the base metal from corroding. From your post I read it as a cosmetic 2 issue.
Fill an aluminum pot with water and add two tablespoons of vinegar for each quart of water added. Bring the combination to a boil. Let the solution boil for 15 minutes and pour the liquid down the sink.
Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the vinegar off the aluminum surface and lift the oxidation marks. Meguiars M4916 Oxidation Remover. This is a heavy oxidation remover with the ability to clean your boat and preserve the surface getting your boat to look good as new for longer.
It comes from a well-known brand and offers numerous benefits. You can use to remove light to heavy forms of oxidation and it is also effective against spots stains and even scratches on fiberglass boats. PoliPrep will remove oxidation old wax rubbing compounds stains mildew oil and grease.
Wet the surface then apply PoliPrep with a sprayer always wear gloves. Scrub with supplied scrub pad until the surface feels smooth and is free of stains and oxidation. For severe oxidation you can use a more abrasive scrub pad.
Fold the cloth to prevent reapplying the oxidation on the aluminum boat. Buff and shine the treated surface using a dry and clean cloth. With these tricks and hacks you will definitely notice a huge difference on your boat.
This is how I removed oxidation from Aluminum trim tabs. I could not find anything else to clean them. Removing the oxidation is nearly impossible without also removing the paint around it.
The best way to remove oxidation from painted aluminum is to strip the paint polish the metal then repaint the aluminum. This method will restore the integrity of the aluminum and the paint. Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling chemical fumes.
Ok so the polishing compound didnt work very well. The oxidation on the back is pretty bad. How to Use Vinegar to Clean an Aluminium Boat.
Dilute your vinegar with water. You want a 5050 ratio of vinegar and water. For best results use distilled water.
Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and give your boat a good spray. Let the mixture sit on the boat for a minute before wiping it away with a towel.