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Cleaning a boat is an important part of maintenance, and polishing is what gives it that sleek and shiny look. However , the polishing process can be different depending on what you have. It is essential to know how to polish an aluminum boat.
There are three main steps involved, but the polishing step can be a two-stage process depending on what method you’re using. Let’s look at two ways to restore the shine of your aluminum boat.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need
- Aluminum boat cleaner
- Cleaning pad
- Rotary polisher
- Buffing wheels
- Aluminum boat polish or compound
- Wax
- Sandpaper
- Safety flange (for rotary polisher)
- Mask with respirator
- Goggles
- Safety gloves
Primary Method: DIY Aluminum Polishing with Rotary Buffer
Before you start: Preparation
Prepare the boat plus all your cleaning items before beginning the process.
- It’s a good idea to wash the entire surface and the aluminum parts, so remove attachments, electronics, plus anything else that may be damaged by water.
You are free to use any product you’d like. Nevertheless , a good result takes time to finish, so be wary of anything that sounds too good to be true.
Soap or even homemade aluminum boat cleaner will do for washing.
- For safety equipment, be sure to possess a respirator mask, goggles, and work gloves, as bits of metal will come off.
- It’s also a good idea to wear appropriate work clothes as polishing aluminium can get dirty, whether it’s a liquid substance or any other type.
Step 1 : Clean the aluminum boat
The first step is to clean the entire surface thoroughly with a cleaner; the goal is to remove dirt and grime, therefore anything that works for you is fine.
Some people make use of vinegar as well to help remove dirt. Look out for patches of buildup and consider utilizing the degreaser if there is heavy concentration.
You can use a cleaning cloth or sponge if you want, but some products don’t need this. Dry the cleaned surface, and let’s move on in order to the next step.
Step 2 : Sanding
This is an important part of polishing any boat, regardless of what material your hull is made of. It’s not required, but you will see better results, and since you’ll be putting in function anyway, it’s a good idea to bring out the big guns right off the bat.
- Start along with lower-grit sandpaper at around 180, then work your way up to 400 or even 600 if necessary.
- The objective is to flatten the surface, so be thorough. Use higher grit if you’re not satisfied with the smoothness. Tougher jobs may need up to 1500 grit for good results.
Step 3 : Cutting polish
There are two phases for polishing light weight aluminum:
Phase 1 is for bringing out the particular shine from the dull surface, the cutting phase. This involves stripping off the top surface of the aluminum to bring away its shine.
Apply the compound to the edge of the pad while it is usually in motion then start polishing; bring the rotating pad to the surface and work on the particular entire area. There is no specific motion needed but side-to-side is a common way.
One associated with the best polishing tips is not to rush. Take your time in order to polish thoroughly. Some people make multiple passes yet one is usually enough if you go slow enough to make the polishing thorough.
You will need to reapply the compound in order to your pad from time to time, but you will also need to clear out chunks of compound and aluminum particles on the pad’s edge. Use a buffing rake for this; just bring the rake in contact with the pad edge as it is in motion.
Step 4: Color polish
The particular second polishing phase will be the color polish that brings the boat to mirror finish. While the first polish is already quite shiny, this step will certainly make the shine bright and pristine. This involves the same method, but you will need a different compound and pad.
Polish the entire aluminum surface just as a person did for the cutting polish, and it’s done. You can also apply wax for additional protection.
Alternative Method – Polishing By Hand
Bringing back the particular shine of your vessel using a cleaner plus polish by hand is definitely a tried and tested method. However, be prepared for how much time and effort you will need; you will need more if the condition of the lightweight aluminum surface is worse.
Doing this entails the same preparation and needs the first 2 steps in the rotary polishing method above; cleaning the boat and sanding. The only real difference is how we do the polishing.
There are many different types associated with polish available, and the 3M aluminum polish is a good example of one product that can be used for the entire polishing process.
Detailed Steps : Polishing by hand
- Take a cloth or pad and use the polish to this. A small amount will do; bring it to the motorboat hull surface and start scrubbing in a circular movement.
- You may notice the polished surface area will start to turn blackish; continue rubbing some more, and it will begin to become shinier.
It will take a lot of scrubbing in order to get it shiny yet how bad the dulling and oxidation got are also factors. This method may remove light oxidation because well. Still, more severe oxidation may need much more work, and a dual-action polisher may be required.
- Rub the entire boat since well as other metal parts, such as ship rails until you get satisfactory results.
- Don’t forget to reapply polish to your fabric or pad after scrubbing up for a while. Some products also have wax, so a separate waxing might not be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to polish aluminum boats?
The best and most effective way is by rotary polishing. This method is capable of restoring not only faded luster but even surfaces along with heavy oxidation and pitting.
It is also recommended to use sanding plus polishing aluminum boat together. This will allow the surface to be even and for the polish to be applied properly. If there is pitting or oxidation, sanding is needed to address the problem and keep it from getting worse.
Should you shine an aluminum boat?
Polishing is necessary to restore the particular aluminum boat to its appearance when it was new but cleaning plus polishing will be more difficult when the vessel was left unattended for the long time, especially if there is heavy oxidation.
How do you polish a painted aluminum boat?
The method to polish painted aluminum boat is the same as most polish can be used for both painted and non-painted aluminium. It is still the good idea to inspect your chosen product for directions regarding this.
Conclusion
Now you know all about how to polish a good aluminum boat. After working on it, you can feel accomplished after seeing the result of your work. The best thing about this kind of project is that the polished aluminum boat reflects the effort you put in.
Have you tried polishing a boat on your own? What was the most challenging thing about it? Tell us about your experience with it in the comments section below.
Remember to boat safely.
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