Best Compound for Cleaning/Buffing/Polishing an Old Aluminum Boat

[kevinrude]

Any recommendations?

I have a 1956 Alumacraft. I started working on it today using some combination of the white stick compound and Mother’s polish and a pneumatic buffer with assorted pads. Results were OK, but uneven.

I’ve seen ads for 3M Marine Aluminum Polish, Starbrite Ultimate Aluminum Cleaner and Restorer and AlumaBuff. Any experience with these?

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I used as a first step on a never polished 1955 model F Alumacraft that sat outside all it’s life and very weathered, 3M heavy duty rubbing compound applied with a polisher and 8 inch wool pad. This was only the first step.

[jerry-ahrens]

Here’s one I did a couple years back. I used Zing hull cleaner. After the Zing does it’s work, I use SOS pads (don’t use the knock off brands) to buff off the white haze that’s left behind. Use plenty of water to lubricate the pad, and along with the SOS pads built in soap, it will bring back the original aluminum finish. A little Dawn dish soap on the pad can also be used. Hopefully your boat isn’t as dirty as this Mode F! If it is, it may take a few applications of Zing. Usually the Zing will clean up boats fast. Don’t be alarmed by the white coating after you rinse…. that’s where the SOS pads come in. See if you can find Zing in the gallon size jug. It’s a lot cheaper than buying several qt. bottles. This method will make the boat look very close to original, but without a mirror shine.

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Attachments:

[opposedtwin]

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=9044&hilit=Grungy

[chas56x]

Here is a link on how to polish aluminum:

https://binged.it/2y45UdM

[nj-boatbuilder57]

quote chas56x:

Here is a link on how to polish aluminum:

https://binged.it/2y45UdM

Doing that without a full respirator is completely insane.

[amuller]

http://zingboatcleaners.com/wp-content/ … er-sds.pdf

This is pretty toxic, aggressive stuff. Not sure I would consider it worth the risks, not to mention the effect on the metal of the boat.

[jerry-ahrens]

Well, that’s exactly what it’s made for…. cleaning boat hulls. There are many brands out there. You have to use common sense and use it outside. I’ve done several Alumacraft boats this way, as well as pontoons. It will not harm an aluminum hull.

[gjonz]

I Think I cover the process on my blog if it’s any help.

https://conductorjonz.wordpress.com/2009/10/

It’s a messy nasty job!

Good luck!

Greg

[kevinrude]

Great stuff! Thanks for all of the info, guys. I’ll letcha know what I end up doing.

[Author]

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