Polish aluminum boat

[crownline08]

I have a guy looking to polish his 14' aluminum boat and I was wondering what products and tools you suggest for best results. The boat is in good shape but has not been polished in 10+ years.

[Mike Phillips]

10+ years huh?

Is the aluminum shiny with a mirror finish?

Or dull and oxidized?


To be honest, just about any quality aluminum polish will remove oxidation and bring back the shine. The secret is less about the product than the time and energy.

I would say what makes aluminum tricky is there's different kinds and grades of aluminum and some polishes out better and easier than other types.


Here's a project we did a couple of years ago...


Pics & Vids: Grumman Aluminum Van Extreme Makeover! (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-mike-phillips-your-detailing-questions-/121741-pics-vids-grumman-aluminum-van-extreme-makeover.html)


Before

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3758/Alum_Project_001.jpg





After

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3758/Alum_GVan_044.JPG



Here's a Pontoon Boat we did about 6 years ago as I type in 2021


Pictures: Aluminum Pontoon Boat - Before & After (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/92415-aluminum-pontoon-boat-before-after.html)


Before
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/watermark.php?file=95723



After
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/watermark.php?file=95724



Me?

I hope I never have to polish aluminum again - except for maybe my leg.

http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/legextrememakeover02.jpg

http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/legextrememakeover03.jpg


http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/artificialleg.jpg




:)

[Wildone]

Flitz or jewelers rouge and be prepared to get real dirty and go through a lot of rags. Neglected aluminum is a dirty job. I had a small fleet of trucks with polished aluminum tanks that we kept super clean and it was still dirty work.

[crownline08]

Thanks for the response. I have polished fuel tanks before as well with the big Makita grinder and cloth wheels. Not much fun at all. Was hoping there was an easier process. Glad its not my boat

[Markymapo]

Thanks for the information. Do I need to polish the Pontoons every year. It’s a new 22 ft Manitou. I’m thinking do it every spring to keep up with it. I realized that if I remove the oxidation from my Cobalt every spring it takes less time than if I wait 2 to 3 years