My mast is down for a refit and I want to clean it. It is gray anodized Aluminum. What can I use to clean it without damaging the anodizing.
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Rubbing Compound?
I'm not sure it was the right thing to use, but I used rubbing compound on mine. This is the second mast I've used this on. It's the same compound I used on the hull. I tried some cleaners, but the mast seemed to be stained or something. JerryA
I'm not sure it was the right thing to use, but I used rubbing compound on mine. This is the second mast I've used this on. It's the same compound I used on the hull. I tried some cleaners, but the mast seemed to be stained or something. JerryA
Refurb while its down
My mast is down and all hardware removed for replacement. I am seriously considering a complete refurb of the mast including stripping down to shiny metal and etching and priming followd by Interlux perfection paint. Which I have used on the rest of my boat with fantastic results. The only problem that I think is gonna be tough is grinding it down to shiny metal. After that it should be pretty much a peice of cake especially when compared to stripping, epoxy, and priming then painting the deck and antiskid. I have ordered all the fittings to replace my standing rigging with Quick-attach (Suncor) fittings, I am excited about these fittings as they are easily to use and are reusable for in the future so the outlay for the fitting is a one time expenditure. I am completing a 2 year complete refurb of my 81 Watkins 27 and am reaching the end and am getting excited to try out all the new stuff I have replaced old outdated parts with.
My mast is down and all hardware removed for replacement. I am seriously considering a complete refurb of the mast including stripping down to shiny metal and etching and priming followd by Interlux perfection paint. Which I have used on the rest of my boat with fantastic results. The only problem that I think is gonna be tough is grinding it down to shiny metal. After that it should be pretty much a peice of cake especially when compared to stripping, epoxy, and priming then painting the deck and antiskid. I have ordered all the fittings to replace my standing rigging with Quick-attach (Suncor) fittings, I am excited about these fittings as they are easily to use and are reusable for in the future so the outlay for the fitting is a one time expenditure. I am completing a 2 year complete refurb of my 81 Watkins 27 and am reaching the end and am getting excited to try out all the new stuff I have replaced old outdated parts with.
Aluminum Cleaners
There are cleaners made specifically for aluminum at most marine and even hardware stores that work quite well. Just be sure to wear rubber gloves & have a fresh water hose hooked up & available. You have to wet the mast first, apply the cleaner while still wet, lightly scrub (I like to use a green Scotch Brite pad you get at the grocery store) and rinse off before it dries. You'll be pleased with the results & as long as you don't get agressive with the scrubbing you won't hurt the anodization. You'll find stains where there are ropes lying against the mast. You may want to go over these again but I've alwats found that these will go away in a few days.
There are cleaners made specifically for aluminum at most marine and even hardware stores that work quite well. Just be sure to wear rubber gloves & have a fresh water hose hooked up & available. You have to wet the mast first, apply the cleaner while still wet, lightly scrub (I like to use a green Scotch Brite pad you get at the grocery store) and rinse off before it dries. You'll be pleased with the results & as long as you don't get agressive with the scrubbing you won't hurt the anodization. You'll find stains where there are ropes lying against the mast. You may want to go over these again but I've alwats found that these will go away in a few days.
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