Polishing Aluminum Gunwales

[aquasonic]

I have a 1975 Mirrocraft that is turquoise blue with plain aluminum gunwales. Just finished hand polishing the gunwales with ‘Mothers Mag and Aluminum Polish’.

The polish works well for removing oxidation, but staining remains. I’m looking for suggestions for something more aggressive to bring back a nice luster. I am considering using polishing compound or 0000 steel wool, then finishing up with the ‘Mothers’.

Thanks

[jpatti75]

The steel wool might be a decent option. If you’re just working on a few stubborn spots, I would try wet sanding with something around 1000 grit and then work up to 2500 grit … then finish off with the Mothers.

JP

[vixbit]

Scotch Brite pads would be my choice over steel wool. Steel wool can leave behind residue that will lead to rust spots.

[westwind]

The Red Scotch Brite pads work well, I wouldn’t use steel wool.

[aquasonic]

I appreciate the responses. Here’s what I found:

I tried using polishing compound with a cloth, but it didn’t do much as far as cleaning up the stains. Then, I tried using a Scotchbrite pad, and had the same results.

Finally, I resorted to using the 0000 steel wool, and that ‘did the trick’. Using a ZEP sprayer with soap and water, combined with the 0000 steel wool brought back the shine after 46 years of neglect.

[Author]

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