Foolproof aluminum cleaning?

[ioan]

I'm almost done building my teardrop and now I'm looking for ways to clean the aluminum.
What's the easiest and foolproof method for cleaning aluminum from hand prints and other dirt, to restore it to the clean nice shine? I tried mineral spirits or lacquer thinner on a small towel but that doesn't seem to clean it.


Also, what do you guys think about Powdered Aluminum paint, wouldn't that make the surface nice AND protect it from scratches?

[halfdome, Danny]

I'm almost done building my teardrop and now I'm looking for ways to clean the aluminum.
What's the easiest and foolproof method for cleaning aluminum from hand prints and other dirt, to restore it to the clean nice shine? I tried mineral spirits or lacquer thinner on a small towel but that doesn't seem to clean it.

Ioan, Lacquer thinner is great for stuff that only a solvent will remove.
I use Stainless Steel Cleaner (mineral oil content) followed up with Sprayway brand Glass Cleaner available at Costco and elsewhere.
Use the SS cleaner sparingly, micro fiber towels work best.
Danny

[willyswagon]

I use Aluminum brightner from NAPA on my aluminum trailers. Just spray on and hose off.

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Catal ... 0075100080

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Catal ... 0075100080

[halfdome, Danny]

I use Aluminum brightner from NAPA on my aluminum trailers. Just spray on and hose off.

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Catal ... 0075100080

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Catal ... 0075100080

Not sure these ingredients would be good for a teardrop skin. Danny

Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive acid, capable of dissolving many materials, especially oxides. Its ability to dissolve glass has been known since the 17th century, even before hydrofluoric acid had been prepared in large quantities

Material Safety Data Sheet U.S. Department of Labor
May be used to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard. (Non-Mandatory Form)
29 CFR 1910.1200. Standard must be Form Approved
consulted for specific requirements. OMB No. 12180072
IDENTITY (As Used on Label and List)
ALUMINUM BRIGHTENER Part #: 1458; 1478
Note: Blank spaces are not permitted. If any item is not
applicable or no information is available, the space must be
marked to indicate that.
Section I – Manufacturer
Manufacturer’s Name
AIKEN CHEMICAL COMPANY Emergency Telephone Number
1-800-922-1117; (864) 765-7359
Address (Number, Street, City, State and Zip Code) Telephone Number for Information
P. O. Box 1904 (864) 968-1250; 1-800-828-1860
12 Shelter Drive, Greer, SC 29650
Greenville, SC 29602
Date Prepared:
January 19, 1998
Revision # 1 Signature of Preparer (optional)
Section II-Hazardous Ingredients/Identity Information
Hazardous Components (Specific Chemical Identity: Common OSHA PEL ACGIH TLV NIOSH REL %
Name(s)
Phosphoric Acid, CAS# 7664-38-2 1 mg/M3 1 mg/M3 3 mg/M3 <10%
(STEL)
Hydrofluoric Acid, CAS# 7664-39-3 3 ppm 3 ppm <15%
The specific chemical identity is being withheld as a trade secret. The specific chemical identity will be made
available to health professionals upon request.
Aluminum Brightener is identified as an eye and skin irritant under criteria of OSHA Hazard Communication
Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200. Corrosive product
Section III - Physical/Chemical Characteristics
Boiling Point >212° F Specific Gravity (H20 - 1) 1.060
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg.) Unknown Melting Point 32° F
Vapor Density (AIR=1) Unknown Evaporation Rate (Butyl Acetate=1) <1.0
Solubility in Water Complete Solubility pH <2
Appearance and Odor
Clear translucent liquid with an acid odor.
Section IV - Fire and Explosion Hazar5d Data
Flash Point (Method Used) Flammable Limits
>212° F (PMCC) Not Determined
LEL N.D. UEL N.D.
Extinguishing Media
Water fog, CO2, dry chemical, or alcohol foam.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures
Fire fighters wear self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards
Extinguish all nearby sources of ignition since flammable hydrogen gas will be liberated from
contact with some metals.
OSHA 174, Sept. 1985

[tonyj]

Unusual fire and explosion hazards. Cool!

I'm gonna have to try this stuff ( and not for its intended purpose).