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Re: Re: Cleaning Aluminum

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Posted By<" ">Prasad Babu on August 12, 2002 at 12:20:01:

In Reply to: Re: Cleaning Aluminum posted byBill on June 05, 2002 at 00:44:07:

: : 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.

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Subject: Re: 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.

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