Cleaning unfinished aluminum?

[authentic]

What do you guys do to clean up unfinished aluminum? I'd like to clean up the bottom of my new Lund. It looks like it sat in a lake for a while in its past. What about something like CLR? Then, once it's cleaned up, buffing it? I really have no idea, just thinking out loud. I've got lots of questions, and I'll be sure to post pics in my build thread as I get going. It's just got to stop raining here sometime first.

 

[authentic]

No tips?

 

[river_wolf]

Not really sure what you are trying to do. when I was doing the hull repairs to mine, I would use simple green and a stiff nylon brush to scrub the imbedded dirt. it seemed to be clean if that is what you are asking.

 

[Nussy]

I've read about some stuff called Sharkhide, but I've never used it myself. Looks pretty cool on their website. https://www.sharkhide.com/acinfo.html

 

[blunt]

years ago I helped my dad clean the pontoons of boat that had sat in a lake most of its life and we used a product called alumabrite.. made them look like new, but I also remember it being some pretty harsh stuff. And after looking at the msds I see why as it contains hydrofluoric and sulphuric acids. Despite that, this would be what I would use again and I have read online you can buy it at napa.

 

[switchback]

Blunt is right. We have a guy that does our power washing at work to come out and acid wash some of our aluminum trailers with that stuff after we repair them. Now they even make a product that you can spray on aluminum after it is cleaned really good and it will make it really easy to clean with a hose. Can't remember the name of it but they use it on car rims. We have had a customer or two have thier whole trailer done.

 

[authentic]

This is what I'm talking about removing/cleaning up. I found Aluma-brite for sale on Amazon. Also found this stuff - https://www.iboats.com/CRC-Aluminum-Pontoon-Hull-Cleaner/dm/view_id.685792 I'm so new to all of this stuff, I have no idea what I should be looking for. You guys think either of these could be good choices?

 

[ultra353]

I don`t know if you can get ahold of it( professional product) but a product called Zep-a-lum made by Zep chemical co. works great. It will brighten alum but is pretty harsh and burns your skin if you don`t dilute it with water. Its pretty stong and will turn your hull white if not cut with water. Its what i used on my boat after it sat upside down in my brothers field for 25yrs and then i polished it out, now it looks like chrome!

 

[Jim]

I don`t know if you can get ahold of it( professional product) but a product called Zep-a-lum made by Zep chemical co. works great. It will brighten alum but is pretty harsh and burns your skin if you don`t dilute it with water. Its pretty stong and will turn your hull white if not cut with water. Its what i used on my boat after it sat upside down in my brothers field for 25yrs and then i polished it out, now it looks like chrome!

:WELCOME:

Got any pictures? Sounds like the good stuff!

 

[Jim]

I've read about some stuff called Sharkhide, but I've never used it myself. Looks pretty cool on their website. https://www.sharkhide.com/acinfo.html

X2
This stuff does work! https://www.sharkhide.com/index.html

 

[authentic]

Okay, I'm sold on the Sharkhide for a polish/protectant, but have any of you used their cleaner? Or, how about that stuff from iboats that I linked? Or, do I go with a more physical tool, rather than chemical? Possibly a wire brush?