Cleaning a pitted aluminum boat

[fish_on]

Just got a boat from my aunt, it has been around salt water for a few years. The outside has some surface pitting and oxidation. I know if I scotch-brite it, it will look like new, but do I then need to treat the outside with something to protect it. I don't know if there is a clearcoat or if I should just put an aluminum polish on it?

[boater]

i have tried them all and have found the dri wash metal polish is by far the best i have used, just my 2 useless cents worth. dri wash

[DanS]

There is a two-step process for treating corroded and pitted aluminum. First apply a phosphoric acid etch/brightener. Allow to sit for a few minutes and work in well with a scotch brite pad. Then rinse well with water.

Next, apply a chromic acid solution (commonly called 'Alodine') with a sponge. Keep it OFF your hands as chromium is highly toxic. Let it sit for a while and then rinse with water and allow to dry. Now your aluminum is ready for a clear coat, primer. paint or other protective coating.

Without treating it this way, your clear coat or paint will not stick to the aluminum nearly as well. Hope this helps.

[Thick-N-Thin]

I use phosphoric acid cleaner. Typically you can find this cleaner known as shower cleaner in a Janitorial Supply House such as Easterday Supply in Portland. After washing the Aluminum with the shower cleaner follow up with a product called Shella Shine. This is a liquid metal polish and protector. These two in combination work great. For the real bad areas use Never Dull wading and Mothers Aluminum polish with a green Scotchbrite pad. You can usually find these at Les Schwabs or GI Joes! Good Luck

[Thick-N-Thin]

Oh and by the way I coat my aluminum boat with Shella Shine before I take my boat out into salt water. This helps the aluminum from the corrosion.