Staining on mill finish aluminum

[doug hodder]

While Camping at the Dillon Beach Ca.gathering, some teardroppers had staining from the salt fog/air/spray on their mill finish aluminum. Outside of using anodized material,or clear coating as I have done...does anyone have any secrets to stopping the corrosive effects of the salt on mill finish material.. I'm thinking of things like spraying the top with Pam etc....whatever it takes to stop the staining...any ideas...I know some guys here in No. Cal would like some feedback...thanks in advance....Doug

[GeorgeTelford]

Hi Doug

That staining is natural anodising, it occurs when aluminium is in damp air, it forms a natural protective layer as the aluminium Oxidises. What a pity its so butt ugly.............


Protective and non ugly?

Constant polishing (always bearing in mind that polishing is removing a thin layer.

Painting after etch primer......

here is a forum that discusses nothing but alumium finishing !!

http://www.pfonline.com/dp/forums/index.cfm?pub=PF

[SteveH]

WD-40 Of course, needs to be applied before you go to the beach.

[mbader]

How about car wax.

[DestinDave]

Rupp's Aluma-Guard - available at many marine supply stores. It leaves an oily feeling film but it will protect the metal from salt air. It needs to be reapplied after a couple washes or rains though.
Also - Sheila-Shine... made for stainless steel but will work similarly for aluminum.

Doug - I was a dealer for a product used on tuna towers and aluminum rails. It is a "synthetic" ceramic coating which bonds to aluminum and seals it permanently from everything - fuel, acid, solvents, salt, you get the picture. Drawbacks are it is labor-intensive to apply and it's damned expensive. As a dealer I could get an 8-ounce kit for $350.00 with retail prices around $425.00. I can assure you it works as promised - never need to do anything except wash and dry. If anyone is interested PM me and we'll discuss it more. There is only one source for the stuff and I'm still an authorized dealer for it - just not active right now.

[doug hodder]

Thanks for the info Dave...need to get that along to Steve E....Doug

[DestinDave]

And of course there's the option you used Doug. Scuff it and clear-coat it. It turned out beautiful and no doubt is virtually maintenance-free as well...

[doug hodder]

I also found a couple of products that might work well... www.overtons.com check out Toon-brite and Gladiator aluminum grime and slime remover...both products are made to clean up pontoons on boats, but says they remove oxidation from aluminum surfaces....also from same catalog Salt Terminator...ready to use spray to protect against salt air, saltwater...cleans and protects...at least that's what the ad says...Doug