Allooooominum cleaning

[Hymerbell]

Does anyone know if it is possible to clean this aluminium trim

 

[Scotsblood]

Yes cleanable but use nothing abrasive, it’s anodised so removing the surface will cause it to degrade even faster. Was recommended a “magic sponge” type foam with neutral detergent for a trailer with similar framing.

 

[Vipar]

Autosol Sovol

Bring it like chrome. You might want to put some amolasitate spelling? Nail vanish remover on it afterwards to keep it really shiny yes I know that it is not cheap but honestly it is worth it.

 

[Interceptor]

Autosol will sort that I have raw alloy wheels on my car and it bring them up a treat.
But to get it like chrome you may need too buff it with a mop in the drill.
But I would mask the van body it mite discolour it with a gray residue.
But as its not pitted a good hard rub by hand at this stage will do the trick.
You will have to redo it each year though ?

 

[Steve and Denise]

Once you strip the anodised surface you will have a full time job on your hands.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Hymerbell]

Hopefully I won’t strip it....will try the Autosol....found one called Autosol Anodised Aluminium polish....presume that will do the trick....thanks all.

 

[Chipster]

Meguiars All Metal Polish is also quite good. It’s not as abrasive as Autosol and does seem to offer some protection as well.

<Broken link removed>

 

[The Coops]

Solvol autosol will do it but beware its a bit like Brasso and windolene, get it in the wrong place and it will discolour anything it comes into contact with especially when you start removing the anodised aluminum. Seeing as we all have time on our hands would it not be easier to take the trim off and get it coated before refitting it? Never done it but have powder coated items in the past and anoised ally items

 

[Vipar]

Use masking tape

 

[Hymerbell]

Solvol autosol will do it but beware its a bit like Brasso and windolene, get it in the wrong place and it will discolour anything it comes into contact with especially when you start removing the anodised aluminum. Seeing as we all have time on our hands would it not be easier to take the trim off and get it coated before refitting it? Never done it but have powder coated items in the past and anoised ally items

I’m getting confused now....what does everyone mean “removing the anodised aluminium”.
Take the trim off ! It’s attached to the garage doors...doesn’t look easy.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Vic. Parsons.]

What they mean is that the aluminium trim is Anodised and using Autosol will remove the anodized layer leaving bare aluminium. Which will then need polishing and protecting.........constantly ?
As already said, a non-abrasive cleaner is your best bet as a first attempt at cleaning it.

 

[The Coops]

The trim when fitted would have been polished and a lacquer or clear coat applied over it, over time the coating has become damaged with either cleaning or stone chips, when exposed to the air, rain and road crud the aluminum trim forms a catalytic reaction and discolours which is what you have. think of it as the aluminum equivalent of rust and in time, a very very long time it will eventually dissolve away. When you polish it you are taking of the layer that has reacted and so the cycle will repeat unless protected, If you are going to treat it then either be prepared for polishing every 12 months or so or take the trim off and get it professionally coated. When you apply the polish the anodisation comes of as a very grey paste which will stick like stuff to a blanket it will discolour the majority of things it comes into contact with. Does that help?

 

[Hymerbell]

What they mean is that the aluminium trim is Anodised and using Autosol will remove the anodized layer leaving bare aluminium. Which will then need polishing and protecting.........constantly ?
As already said, a non-abrasive cleaner is your best bet as a first attempt at cleaning it.

The trim when fitted would have been polished and a lacquer or clear coat applied over it, over time the coating has become damaged with either cleaning or stone chips, when exposed to the air, rain and road crud the aluminum trim forms a catalytic reaction and discolours which is what you have. think of it as the aluminum equivalent of rust and in time, a very very long time it will eventually dissolve away. When you polish it you are taking of the layer that has reacted and so the cycle will repeat unless protected, If you are going to treat it then either be prepared for polishing every 12 months or so or take the trim off and get it professionally coated. When you apply the polish the anodisation comes of as a very grey paste which will stick like stuff to a blanket it will discolour the majority of things it comes into contact with. Does that help?

Ooh err....what about this then....does this work....and not take off the anodised layer

 

[RPG340]

I would be interested to know if you purchased the autosol pictured and if it worked

 

[Wagoneer]

This last week I tried WD40 on my aluminium bits following a suggestion on here. I was pleased how well it restored the surface lustre. Probably have to repeat fairly frequently but so easy to apply.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Raul]

Another good stuff for protecting aluminium is ACF 50. Used it many times on motorbike casings and still use it. Is very resilient to road grime.