Salt oxidation on Aluminum......

[Paul]

Hi Everyone,Just spent a few more days working on the new, old sailboat. The boat has been on the coast most of its life and has a white, salty type oxidation on the boom and some of the mast. It is heavy where the sail covers were and moisture, etc would build up. Question is now how to get rid of this??? It is almost like a slight pitting on the aluminum. I tried scubing but it is still there. Any type of acids or ??? recommenended to remove?? I realize I may have to repaint the boom but I want to get the surface clean first.Thanks for the tips....Paul

 

[Capt. Marc]

Compound / wax

I would start with a compound / Wax job. Just like an car old car. You may get black residue forming, just make sure you fold/ change the cloth often. Finish it with a carnuba Wax. "Flitz" is another product I've used on smaller pieces, maybe the toughest spots. Good luck,marc

 

[Jim WIllis]

Use "Mag Wheel Cleaner"

Always best to dissolve off and inactivate oxidation whether on plastics of metals.I have used mild acid "mag wheel cleaners" on aluminium wheels and they work great. On you boat, though I would not spray on but apply with a sponge or rag. Then rinse off with water. HOWEVER. Keep this sruff away from ropes sails etc.To repair

 

[Jon Arck]

Sale Remover

There is a product called Salt-X that is specifically for removing salt. I just bought some at West Marine and will try it on my dodger clips which are somewhat corroded.

 

[Paul]

Thanks....

Well it's done,I tried a product designed to clean pontoon boats. It is a mild hydrochlorite acid. Worked very good at cutting thru the haze and brightening the surface. If it wasn't for the salt pitting I would be done. So, with the piiting in the metal, I ended up wet sanding the entire boom, putting a coat of primer on, dry sand with 600 grit then several coats of silver/aluminum enamel. Looks great. Paul