Membership Services

Re: Cleaning Aluminum

[ Home ][ Forum Archive ] [ Active Engineering Forum ]

Posted By<" ">Bill on June 05, 2002 at 00:44:07:

In Reply to: Cleaning Aluminum posted byAlex D. on June 01, 2002 at 07:32:46:

: I'm looking to clean aluminum surfaces, such as dump truck dumps, old canoe's, decking, etc. What I need to accomplish is to bring the aluminum back to its "whiteness". Remove dark gray stains. Is their any simple yet ecomomical solution that you would apply?

Have you concidered abrasive blasting? There are many types of materials available i.e. nut shell, sand, glass beads and carbides. From benine to very aggresive. They will leave a bright finish but, be aware Aluminum will naturally oxidize and take on a dull finish. I have also had the experience of using lye in solution with water to clean and etch Aluminum. I do not recommend this as it is not easy to apply on large pieces. Wire brushing the piece will also render a bright surface, but be sure to use a stainless steel brush because a carbon steel brush will leave carbon material (oxcides) in the base material and will later appear as rust streaks when exposed to moisture.

Follow Ups

Subject: Re: Re: Cleaning Aluminum

Comments:: : I'm looking to clean aluminum surfaces, such as dump truck dumps, old canoe's, decking, etc. What I need to accomplish is to bring the aluminum back to its "whiteness". Remove dark gray stains. Is their any simple yet ecomomical solution that you would apply? : Have you concidered abrasive blasting? There are many types of materials available i.e. nut shell, sand, glass beads and carbides. From benine to very aggresive. They will leave a bright finish but, be aware Aluminum will naturally oxidize and take on a dull finish. I have also had the experience of using lye in solution with water to clean and etch Aluminum. I do not recommend this as it is not easy to apply on large pieces. Wire brushing the piece will also render a bright surface, but be sure to use a stainless steel brush because a carbon steel brush will leave carbon material (oxcides) in the base material and will later appear as rust streaks when exposed to moisture.

[ Home ][ Forum Archive ] [ Active Engineering Forum ]