Aluminium Checker Plate

[Parm]

I’ve got a pice that’s spot on in lieu of using marine ply. It’s been outside for a few years. I want to clean and polish up the checker plate side in preparation for a clear powder coat

I have a variable speed polishing machine with sponge pads, lambs wool mop, T Cut and elbow grease

What’s the best way ?

 

[Bornfree]

I’ve got a pice that’s spot on in lieu of using marine ply. It’s been outside for a few years. I want to clean and polish up the checker plate side in preparation for a clear powder coat

I have a variable speed polishing machine with sponge pads, lambs wool mop, T Cut and elbow grease

What’s the best way ?

Turn it over and polish the back

 

[Turbo]

I wouldn't bother. Even with clear coat it will corrode again in a few months.

 

[Kram]

Powder coat is never good. Clear anodise? 2k clear coat?

I'd likely start with a dip in caustic until its a uniform matt white then rinse, polish with the normal kit..

 

[Erie Fred]

I’ve got a pice that’s spot on in lieu of using marine ply. It’s been outside for a few years. I want to clean and polish up the checker plate side in preparation for a clear powder coat

I have a variable speed polishing machine with sponge pads, lambs wool mop, T Cut and elbow grease

What’s the best way ?

There is a chemical for pontoon boats called "toon brite" as well as some similar harsh chemical
for large truck aluminum cleaning.
Looks to be apply, and wash off.

 

[DAPPH]

Racking my brains to try and recall what the fair ground folk used on the aluminium tread plates on their big fair ground rides to keep them looking like new . It was dead cheap IIRC .
Here it is ......

IIRC it is a bucket mix of strong 6 % acetic acid , green fairy liquid & warm water .

Apply a cleaning solution: Mix warm water with a mild cleaning solution such as dish soap or vinegar. Apply the solution to the checker plate with a soft-bristled brush or sponge.

How to clean aluminium checker plate - Knowledge​

www.hw-aluminum.com/info/how-to-clean-aluminium-checker-plate-82191463.html

How to clean aluminium checker plate - Knowledge

How to clean aluminium checker plate

www.hw-aluminum.com

 

[bricol]

Mothers mag aluminium polish.

I bought a tub in the US a few years ago and I’ve been astounded at its performance.

I used it on some heavily oxidised, dirty, aluminium that had been untouched, other than a yearly wash of excessive mud, on the side of my trials car for the last 20 odd years.

Applied with a worn lambswool bonnet on an old orbital sander, it came up rapidly to a mirror finish – obviously the dents, scratches, stone damage etc remained there – but overall, it shiny enough to see a very good reflection in it.

Several years later of use and permanent storage outside, with no further care, it still looks pretty good. It is vertical, so water does run off it pretty quick, but just an occasional polish might be sufficient to keep it shiny.

 

[Trevorleach]

JennyChem used to sell kit for cleaning shiny alloy tipper bodies.

 

[SierraV6]

There is a chemical for pontoon boats called "toon brite" as well as some similar harsh chemical
for large truck aluminum cleaning.
Looks to be apply, and wash off.

Is this what the girls in Newcastle use to turn themselves orange?

 

[Cobbler]

Is this what the girls in Newcastle use to turn themselves orange?

You came up TRUMPS with that reply

 

[OJCar]

What’s the best way ?

Don't.
The alloy will have built up an outer layer of oxide that is slowing oxidation of the alloy beneath it.
Remove the outer layer of oxide and the revealed layer will rapidly oxidise.
You would be better to just leave it alone,
unless you want to use the checker plate for decorative purposes then use a brand new bit
(and get a O.L.L.I. sticker).

 

[OJCar]

You came up TRUMPS with that reply

If you have TRUMPed, please open the window!

 

[Morrisman]

There is a chemical for pontoon boats called "toon brite" as well as some similar harsh chemical
for large truck aluminum cleaning.
Looks to be apply, and wash off.

Some peoples used to use that type of stuff for washing down the checker plate decking in engine rooms when I worked offshore, as it comes up with a nice even silvery finish with minimal effort. But, that’s only because it burns the surface off the alloy sheets. A few days later it looks awful, absorbs oil, corrodes easily if it gets seawater on it etc. Once it’s been done once there is no going back, the deck is ruined forever.

 

[BrokenBiker]

for a piece the size you have, i would use autosol and a microfibre pad to spread the polish and work it around, then a cleam lint free rag to buff, or a wool mop in a drill.

i do the ally on my crane, and the stainless exhaust in the decent weather and its surprising how quickly autosol gets it done, granted i use a drill for the exhuast though

i wouldnt powder coat it though, clear lacquer would be my choice although that then means you cant polish it again if it does oxidise.

 

[jsf55]

My choice for alloy wheels has been brillo pads, but then i prefer the satin look

 

[Monkey Harris]

could you wrap it ..?
@Parm

 

[Parm]

could you wrap it ..?
@Parm

No thats not an option

 

[BrokenBiker]

No thats not an option

What is it for? I remember a table top being mentioned

 

[Parm]

What is it for? I remember a table top being mentioned

Yep a table top

 

[barracuda816]

I think anodising would be the best bet. You could make up a small tank to hold it. In all seriousness will it be tread up or down?

If you don't want to go with anodising, then a quick mop with some cutting compound and then some car wax would probably be the best option. (look for alloy wheel wax maybe?) But ofcourse this will be quite high maintenance.