Cleaning aluminum

[jim]

I am a HAM radio operator and was given a old HAM aluminum antenna that is very corroded. What is the best way to clean the aluminum? What chemicals are best? A lot of small pieces, brackets and 3/16 inch aluminum rod. Thanks

 

[Slednut]

I'm guessing what you're seeing is what ever is on the aluminum to protect is what's failed. As soon as aluminum is exposed to oxygen it begins to oxidize.

I would sand all parts with a maroon scotchbrite pad until it shines, then maybe a grey pad. Whatever you do you'll need to clear coat or paint it when done to protect it.

 

[ZRX61]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ITY2IY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

or:

Amazon.com: Aluminum Cleaner & Brightener & Restorer / 1 Gallon (128 oz.) : Automotive

Buy Aluminum Cleaner & Brightener & Restorer / 1 Gallon (128 oz.) on Amazon.com ✓ FREE SHIPPING on qualified orders

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[Shiftless]

If it’s heavily corroded, a liquid brightener will probably not get you to the level of finish you are looking for. You’ll have to use abrasives to achieve a smooth finish and apply a clear coat to preserve the bright new look on those parts.

I use a 6 inch 3M bristle wheel on a bench grinder to polish small parts. They come in different grits. I like the red ones which are medium grit. For a mirror finish, you’ll need a fine to finish the job.
They are expensive so unless you have a lot of polishing to do in the future, I would go with the Scotchbrite pads and work by hand.
(But hey… this is GJ where most of us are looking for flimsy excuses to buy more tools )

 

[BillK]

Jim,
My HyGain 18AVQ has been up for over 30 years and looks pretty sorry but it still works fine Unless you are really are concerned with the appearance just clean it up with Scotchbrite where the sections go together and use some Deoxit grease when you put it together.

Not sure how aluminum wheel cleaner might work ? If you have somebody local that does soda blasting that will definitely clean it up. Not sure what the cost would be though.

Bill
WB3CII

 

[Mike Folks]

I would follow the cleaning with Alodine, and then paint if possible. Auto paint suppliers should have clear and the gold colored Alodine.

 

[BillK]

I would follow the cleaning with Alodine, and then paint if possible. Auto paint suppliers should have clear and the gold colored Alodine.

You have to be very careful with paint on antennas. There really cannot be any metallic component in the paint.

 

[FredWanaker]

I had some very low mile aluminum heads I cleaned with light glass beading as part of cleaning them up, hand lapping them etc., cleaning the carbon off etc., to sell them, they looked great. Washed them with a new formula caustic dish cleaner that the brand always worked well to get any loose beads out. They turned an awful deep black brown. Tried several well recommended aluminum cleaner brighteners and all they did was turn the aluminum a lite grey matte finish. Glass beaded them again to solve and just used hot water and pressure to clean them. Unfortunately EPA has outlawed many of the metal cleaners that really worked well. When that pole was new it was probably anodized which has worn off. As others said, clean with a scotch brite, use deoxit on the connections, and anything else would require either a clear coat, frequent polishing, or re-anodizing.

 

[four.cycle]

tomato juice.

Do not apply Simple Green, that purple "Super Clean" stuff, or high concentrations of Tri-Sodium Phosphate on aluminum surfaces.

 

[ZRX61]

You have to be very careful with paint on antennas. There really cannot be any metallic component in the paint.

Alodine isn't paint, it's a chemical process.

 

[nadogail]

I have seen vinyl paint used on properly prepared antennas with very good results.