Best Stuff For Cleaning Aluminium?

[volition82]

I've been using aluminium as edging on various bits and bobs while re-fitting my motorhome. It has pencil markings from fabricating on it and it's suprising hard to remove quickly and easily, any ideas on what to use? Also is there a product that can remove surface scratches without ruining the finish?

 

[brightspark]

I've been using aluminium as edging on various bits and bobs while re-fitting my motorhome. It has pencil markings from fabricating on it and it's suprising hard to remove quickly and easily, any ideas on what to use? Also is there a product that can remove surface scratches without ruining the finish?

t cut its good on plastics as well

 

[Shedendman]

Acetone or nail varnish remover for the pencil marks,as for the scratches,whats scratched and how deep are they you may have to rub it right down using rubbing compound and buffing wheels maplins do a small but cheap kit
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?TabID=1&criteria=usb&ModuleNo=217875&C=SO&U=Strat15

 

[pedrobedro]

2000 grit wet and dry with wd40.

 

[langy]

You can get an acid wash for cleaning aluminiun, similair to alloy wheel cleaner.

 

[stormin]

You can get an acid wash for cleaning aluminiun, similair to alloy wheel cleaner.

Citric acid is the stuff. You can buy it as crystals and dissolve them in water to make your own acid solution. Lot cheaper than commercial alloy wheel cleaner.

Won't remove the scratches from pencil though.

 

[CawBen]

autosol and newspaper? some of the lads at my work swear by it for polishing aluminium. that and the wet and dry comment above

 

[langy]

if the ally has been polished properley the only thing you should use on it is a cream, Autosol is abrasive so will finely scrath it, Autosol should never be used on chrome either.

autosol and newspaper? some of the lads at my work swear by it for polishing aluminium. that and the wet and dry comment above

 

[outofthefire]

At work they use scotch pads to get rid of fine scratches and to get an even finish to ally.

 

[volition82]

Thanks for all the replies. I'll try them out on some scrap bits and see which works best.

 

[Welderpaul]

We usually use fine sctochbrite to remove any scratches or marks. We buy 3M stainless steel cleaner on aluminium, works very well - suprising how much dirt comes off ally, even when brand new.

 

[CawBen]

if the ally has been polished properley the only thing you should use on it is a cream, Autosol is abrasive so will finely scrath it, Autosol should never be used on chrome either.

well i've just learnt not to always listen to the lads then lmao! sorry for my rubbish comment due to lack of exp *hangs head in shame*

 

[langy]

No problem mate, we are all here to learn.
its amazing how many people you see using autosol on their chrome, all they are doing is wearing it away quicker

well i've just learnt not to always listen to the lads then lmao! sorry for my rubbish comment due to lack of exp *hangs head in shame*

 

[RichardM]

Bees wax for chrome, seals the pores and stops it going rusty.

 

[Robotstar5]

its amazing how many people you see using autosol on their chrome

Probably taken in by the "chrome cleaner" writing on the box!

Luckily we have experts such as yourself to put us right

 

[MrFluffy]

Solvol Autosol actually make a finer grade thats less abrasive, autosol chrome. I prefer brasso wadding as its designed not to abrade too much, or any silverware polish is usually really fine too. Any polishing is abrasive by nature though even toothpaste etc, tis just a question of how abrasive.

For ally, wet and dry grade depending on how deep the scratches etc you want to remove but working progressively finer taking the scratches out from the last stage before moving on each time, then autosol original on a coarse rag, then on towards the brasso territory. You can mirror polish things made of ally no problem like that with enough patience.

I cheat a little now though as I tend to polish lots of bits and bobs on motorbikes, I have some sisal + buffing mops and a polishing grinder, so I use them first with autosol and the sisal mops then with some actual polishing soap again going finer with the polish. Its quicker, but you end up with black bogies

 

[langy]

You should really have a mask on mate, its not good for it to go up your hooter.

Solvol Autosol actually make a finer grade thats less abrasive, autosol chrome. I prefer brasso wadding as its designed not to abrade too much, or any silverware polish is usually really fine too. Any polishing is abrasive by nature though even toothpaste etc, tis just a question of how abrasive.

For ally, wet and dry grade depending on how deep the scratches etc you want to remove but working progressively finer taking the scratches out from the last stage before moving on each time, then autosol original on a coarse rag, then on towards the brasso territory. You can mirror polish things made of ally no problem like that with enough patience.

I cheat a little now though as I tend to polish lots of bits and bobs on motorbikes, I have some sisal + buffing mops and a polishing grinder, so I use them first with autosol and the sisal mops then with some actual polishing soap again going finer with the polish. Its quicker, but you end up with black bogies