Polishing Aluminum

[mollyteardrop]

We have some discoloration on our aluminum-sided td. I have read that 409 cleaner will remove some of the black spots, but it didn't work. What do you do to polish/clean aluminum? I want to keep it shiny!

[BrwBier]

The short answer is you can't keep it shiny. If it is mill finish aluminum it will not stay shiny without a lot of work and it is hard to keep it uniform. You can polish it but the problem I had was one part looks different from the rest and the harder you try the more work it becomes. I gave up and went for a more satin finish done with sand paper and scotch bright pads.
Now if you have anodized aluminum there might be another answer but I don't know what it might be.
Brwbier

[willyswagon]

NAPA (auto parts) has a product called alumni brite. This is what is used on all aluminum trailers to clean them up. It is an acid, might or might not work for youl, works geat on my aluminum flat trailer.

[mary and bob]

I use Mothers Mag & Aluminum polish, available at Walmart or auto parts stores. As with anything you try, do it on a spot that is not seen if possible to see how you like it. I do our teardrop once or twice a year. Bob

[Gage]

Dave (ADK) has a whole page on how he polished the PJ Snoozer. Some good information with some step by step how to's.

http://campadk.com/pjsnoozer/pjpolishing.html

[86bigred]

try zoop seal.you polish and apply the sealant once a year.any hot rod shop should carry it.i used to put it on my peterbuilt's tanks and rims.one truck washn used that alumibrite and it took the shine off my rims and tanks.it cost them big time to repolish all that aluminum.

[Redgloves]

The Camp Inn forum has multiple threads concerning care and maintenance of the aluminium skin.

Currently there are 3 products being used by owners:

Walberize-which I have tried, is very messy. Removes oxidation.

Woody Wax- which I have used. Much easier to use, removed oxidation using Ultra Gloss Fiberglass Restoring Compound. Then applied Woody Wax Non-Skid Fiberglass and Non-Skid Deck Wax. Wash with the Pine Soap.

Other owners have used Shark Hide. I have no experience with this product. http://www.sharkhide.com/sharkhide_metal_protectant.htm

Good luck,

Jean