|
Tips for Polishing an Aluminum Boat
First of all, determine the extent of oxidation on the aluminum surface. If it is determined that the boat surface is in relatively good shape, i.e. light oxidation, then skip this step and move on to polishing with Flitz. For heavy tarnish, corrosion or oxidation, I have found it very helpful to preclean the surface of the boat using an acid. This helps to strip off the corrosion and heavy tarnish from either salt-water use or years of oxidation build up. Several acids are available on the market. Alumabrite, Zepalum, Eagle One Chrome & Wire Cleaner. Because these products are toxic, extreme caution should be used when handling and breathing the fumes; follow manufactures recommendations. Always test the acid product you choose on your boat in a small inconspicuous area to determine if you are satisfied with the results before proceeding. The product that I use is Eagle One Chrome & Wire Cleaner. It is available at most all auto parts stores across the country. If you cannot find the product their toll free number is 800-432-4531 and the part number off the bottle is #1040626. This product has a combination of four different acids. It is considered “Consumer Strength” as opposed to “Industrial strength”. If you choose another acid product to clean your boat, experiment with the strength and possibly dilute the solution. This will help to avoid streaking the boat from allowing too strong of acid solution to etch the surface. The Eagle One product comes in a spray bottle 26 oz. I used 2 bottles on my 1982 23’ Weldcraft Jet Boat. The boat had not been polished for many many years prior to me owning it. From my experience, only allow the acid to stay on the aluminum a maximum of 90 seconds. In the real stubborn areas, several applications may be necessary. I used a soft bristle scrub brush on the stubborn areas. Have a garden hose handy and ready to rinse the boat. Remember to only allow the cleaner to contact the aluminum surface for a maximum of 90 seconds per application.
You are now ready to polish your boat with Flitz.
There are many different buffers on the market and just as many opinions why one is better than the other. Frankly, I have found that the pad or bonnet that is used is more important than the buffer. I recommend a good lambs wool pad. This pad is durable and can take a few snags and burrs that most all jet boats have. Start by applying about a teaspoon full of the Flitz to the boat surface in an area smaller than the size of the buffer head. I have found, that by applying polish directly to the buffer pad polish will fling everywhere when turned on, so apply polish to the boat surface first then place the buffer over the Flitz and tight against the boat. Turn the buffer on. The pad will turn black. Continue to polish an area size that you feel comfortable with. I generally polish one entire side of the boat. Apply more polish as needed. Remember use Flitz sparingly, a little goes a long way. When you feel that you have polished the oxidation from the boat, set the buffer down. Now it is time to remove the polish that is mixed with the oxidation from the boat (i.e. gray residue). Here are several methods that may be used, cornstarch, baking flour, and Windex window cleaner. Personally I prefer baking flour. Take a clean dry towel. Place about ¼ cup flour on the towel. Place the towel against the surface of boat and wipe the black residue away. The purpose of the flour is to absorb the polish residue and to help avoid using too many towels. When the towel quits picking up polish, shake out old baking flour and apply another ¼ cup, and repeat process. At this point the boat should be looking new and shinny. If some of the flour has gotten into the cracks and crevices, a garden hose may be used for final clean up. On the nonskid diamond plate and on the railings, I recommend using our Flitz Buffing and Polishing Ball that fits onto any drill. I prefer a corded drill about 2000 rpm for best results. This ball is also great for the trailer wheels. Remember Flitz will also clean plastic windows and painted surfaces as well. Always use a clean applicator for these surfaces. Our Flitz Microfiber cloths are great for picking up dust and fingerprints on delicate surfaces as well as Eisenglass and windows.
Thank you for using our Flitz products.
|
