Mast cleaning methods?

[groundhogyh]

I have my mast down and have decided to give it a scrub and put some
beauty treatment on it.

Im wondering about some baking soda and maybe dish detergent?

Thanks,
groundhog

 

[Vega1447]

Or you could just put the damn thing back up and let Mother Nature scour it? --

John A. Kinsella Ph: +353-61-202148 (Direct)

+353-61-333644 x 2148 (Switch)

Mathematics Dept. e-mail: John.Kinsella@...

University of Limerick FAX: +353-61-334927

IRELAND Web:

John Kinsella's Website

jkcray.maths.ul.ie

 

[groundhogyh]

I have my mast down and have decided to give it a scrub and put some
beauty treatment on it.

Im wondering about some baking soda and maybe dish detergent?

Thanks,
groundhog

 

[tim_klynn]

I don't really know much about this, but I would hesitate to use baking soda.Aluminum does not do well with alkaline materials.Maybe try some kind of polishing compound?

 

[groundhogyh]

oh. thanks.so baking soda will have a chemical reaction?Sent from my iPhone

 

[tim_klynn]

I don't know for certain, but it might.Tg

 

[bundchen1263]

i have pressure washed mine, cleaned with diswashing liquid then applied aluminum polish(auto parts stores &wallmart) using an 6 inch orbital polishing/waxing machine. Good result.

 

[Vega1447]

Does the boat point much higher? --

John A. Kinsella Ph: +353-61-202148 (Direct)

+353-61-333644 x 2148 (Switch)

Mathematics Dept. e-mail: John.Kinsella@...

University of Limerick FAX: +353-61-334927

IRELAND Web:

John Kinsella's Website

jkcray.maths.ul.ie

 

[bundchen1263]

At least few degrees All that hard work paid.

 

[groundhogyh]

So, after you mentioned about the baking soda causing a chemical reaction, I did an internet search.
The word was on aluminum, use a mixture of water and vinegar and maybe cream of tartar (yum).
So I put in a spray bottle, water, vinegar, and a bit of dish detergent.

Sprayed it on an inconspicuous spot. Within about 10 seconds I start to see dark grey color.
Yep. Chemical reaction.

So an acidic cleaning solution is also not good.

gh

 

[n4lbl]

I wonder if my Proctor mast (2nd generation V2505) is anodized. I hope that someone who knows more than I can answer that.If it is anodized then I found the following:"... How do I clean anodized aluminum?Cleaning anodized aluminum is easy with the right technique. Because anodizing is so hard, you want to use an abrasive cleaning technique with a gentle soap. Do not use harsh acidic or alkaline cleaners because they may destroy the finish. Use solvents with care as they may stain the finish. Regardless of the technique, be sure to try a test area first. One recommended technique is to use an abrasive cleaning sponge with mild dish washing liquid. Always try a test small area first to prevent a widespread problem. (For more detailed advice, obtain a copy of Care of Aluminum from The Aluminum Association. ) ..." at: Aluminum Anodizers Council Care of Aluminum book is $40.Alan

 

[groundhogyh]

Thanks Alan. I ended up scrubbing with dish soap and a brush.Sent from my iPhone

 

[tim_klynn]

I think all the masts were anodized.Some were gold, some were silver.Over time, the anodizing wears off and the aluminum oxides to a dull gray.You could strip off the hardware and take it to get reanodized, but anodizers with a big enough tank are rare. I think there are some in CA, one in OK and probably some on the east coast somewhere.Tim