Cleaning aluminum...

67carl · Jan 29, 2014

I bought an aluminum locker on Craigslist and want to clean it up a bit. I used some Brasso and while that did clean some grime off of it, it didn't get rid of those runs on the upper door and other stuff. I also tried some stainless steel polish. What can I use to clean this thing up?

kams1973 · Jan 29, 2014

You may want to consider scotch brite or sandpaper. Then break out the polish, brasso, etc...

zkling · Jan 30, 2014

Depends on how crazy you want to get.

Dawn and hot water will get the gunk off, vinegar wash will slightly get rid of pitting, Zep aluminum clean or what the pontoon guys use is acidic IIRC, then finish up with the mothers polish.

You can of course use a mechanical abrasive such as scotch bright or even sand paper, just depends on what your goals are. Me personally I'd blast it with the pressure washer and dawn, then use a scraper for anything stuck. It might be cool to make it a mirror polish but not sure if it would be worth the time investment. YMMV. :beer:

Bigplum · Jan 30, 2014

biological clothes washing powder + water (or the liquid stuff) and a non stick pan scouring pad lifts a lot of grime from aluminimum , dishwasher soap works too.

the alloy wheel cleaners will also work ,but they are quite agressive on thin sheet if left too long.

rburke65 · Jan 30, 2014

I'd have to ask him, but my buddy uses toilet bowl cleaner, I think....I'll check.

mechan · Jan 30, 2014

If you have to do any welding on it (e.g. fixing a crack or something) be careful what you use for a cleaner as it could have adverse effects.

D.J. · Jan 30, 2014

What about Naval Jelly, (sp) seems like that used to be a cleaner for aluminum I used to use on my spun aluminum wheels a long long time ago!

Sheriff245 · Jan 30, 2014

Here's how I'd do it:
remove all grease and grime with soapy water
soda blasting would restore the original finish. Depending on what finish you're looking for, you can polish it with wheel polish.

67carl · Jan 30, 2014

Thanks everyone. I've got a pressure washer that has a tank for cleaning fluids, so I'll start with soapy water then go from there. I may even have some of that pontoon cleaner hidden away somewhere as I had my parents boat parked here for a time when we were selling it, and some bee's wax from when I was experimenting with making concrete counter tops.

DIC · Jan 30, 2014

You can use some scuff pads and wd40 It leaves a brushed finish. Then clean of the wd40 with some acetone and spray it with some clear

Leaflessshadetree · Jan 30, 2014

I'd disassemble it. Do a machine turned finish on it. Then wax or clear coat.

fitz11 · Jan 30, 2014

Leaflessshadetree said:
I'd disassemble it. Do a machine turned finish on it. Then wax or clear coat.

+1 that would be cool!

67carl · Jan 30, 2014

Leaflessshadetree said:
I'd disassemble it. Do a machine turned finish on it. Then wax or clear coat.

fitz11 said:
+1 that would be cool!

I don't know how to do that, but it sounds interesting. I did find a picture where someone polished the **** out of one. Not really something I would do...

coma13 · Jan 30, 2014

67carl said:
I don't know how to do that, but it sounds interesting. I did find a picture where someone polished the **** out of one. Not really something I would do...

That looks terrible. Don't do it!

flippin · Jan 30, 2014

This is what I use on all aluminum that needs to be cleaned. It's extremely effective. I use it on all new welding projects, cleaning boat hulls, pontoons etc. It's an acid and requires thorough rinsing, but I haven't ever seen anything work better.

http://www.zep.com/ZepSearch/default1.aspx?search=Aluminum+Brightner&num=10&match=Exact&country=U

AMCguy · Jan 30, 2014

A new SOS pad does a nice job of cleaning and gives the surface a new appearance. Buy a box of them and change the pad often. You're looking at a couple of dollars total.

Sandpaper and Scotchbright pads scratch the surface. The harder you push the deeper they scratch. An SOS pad (used with just enough water to create a lather) "HOOKS" the oxidized aluminum and removes it. It leaves the aluminum looking new.

I recommend using very light pressure and work in smaller circles like you were applying wax to a car. You can feel the oxidization under the pad at first, after a few seconds the oxidization is lifted and the pad just glides over the surface. That's the time to move to a new area. When you are done, use a clear wax like carnauba. It will keep it looking great for a long time.

Leaflessshadetree · Jan 30, 2014

67carl said:
I don't know how to do that, but it sounds interesting. I did find a picture where someone polished the **** out of one. Not really something I would do...

There are various techniques and a variety of tools/supplies that could be used (you probably have or can get easily/cheaply). Also a lot of different patterns/effects can be created.

There are other terms for "machine turned", "engine turned", "jeweled" and a few more.
Google and youtube can help get you started.

DTE · Jan 30, 2014

You could use some mag wheel cleaner ( which is acid ) or some aluminum brightener ( acid ) several different options depending on what type of supply houses are in your area.

SockeyeSummer · Jan 30, 2014

We use a product called All Brite on the aluminum on our commercial fishing boats. Works great.

BB Stacker · Jan 30, 2014

When I was in the Navy, we used to use a product called Never-Dull on those lockers. And they shined up just like the photo shown above.

Bugeyed Earl · Jan 30, 2014

That thing is a lost cause, not worth your effort. You should send it to me for proper disposal...

Bugeyed Earl · Jan 30, 2014

We use that line (here and elsewhere) so often, I think it's time to formalize the acronym - SITMFPD

Mike Miller · Jan 30, 2014

I use aluminum wheel cleaner, it dulls the finish but you can polish it out. A lot of the oxidation can be removed with MMO and a rag.

Riverside · Jan 31, 2014

People have mentioned pontoon cleaner, aluminum wheel cleaner, and aluminum brightener. I think these are all similar products based on hydroflouric acid, muriatic acid, or a combination of the two. Aluminum brightener is used for cleaning big trailers with aluminum sides. You can find it at NAPA or other auto parts stores (probably truck stops too). Handle with care.

Edit:
I looked at the label on my NAPA Aluminum Brightener and the primary ingredients are: phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, ammonium biflouride, and butoxyethanol, so apparently there are a variety of acids which will give similar results.

ZRX61 · Jan 31, 2014

Another vote for soda blasting

Cleaning aluminum...

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