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Author Topic:   Polishing the aluminum T-Top, products?

stevedwyer posted 01-15-2010 11:35 AM ET (US)
I have a factory T-Top and the saltwater has already done a number on the aluminum. What is the best way to polish it and get rid of the corrosion? I have heard Woody wax products are good and I tried a regular polish and doing it by hand but I think I am going to use a buffer. I just want to know if anyone knows of a product that could make it any easier.. By the way, I was referred to this site last week and after reading through it I have learned a lot already, its great
gnr posted 01-15-2010 11:39 AM ET (US)
Mother's metal polishing products work very well.
I have seen 20 year old brushed aluminum fork lowers polished to a chrome like finish using Mothers and a buffer.
And a lot of time.
diveorfish posted 01-15-2010 02:05 PM ET (US)
Woody Wax cleans, protects and lifts very minor corrosion, but it doesn't fix pitting or serious corrosion.
stevedwyer posted 01-16-2010 10:25 AM ET (US)
Its pretty heavy corrosion at this point, Thats why I was thinking about using the buffer, its tough getting up under tha T-Top though. I don't want to use steel wool because I heard it leaves little rust marks all over the boat aparently. Have any of you used white scotch brite pads for this? read it on the internet yesterday.. I want to get all the pitting cleaned up and then abviously polish and or wax it to protect it.
BlueMax posted 01-16-2010 11:17 AM ET (US)
This thread may get moved to the Repairs and Maintenance section, but when i read your question I wondered what about using copper pads instead of steel wool?
I googled copper pads to find the brand name and one of the first articles was titled "Removing scratches from stainless steel appliances" which had various Q&A remedies and recommendations.
If Jim will let this link stand -
http://www.finishing.com/4000-4199/4148.shtml
Max
lizard posted 01-16-2010 11:39 AM ET (US)
Do not use steel wool in a marine application. Tiny fibers break off, get wet, rust on your hull/deck. Scotch Brite abrasive pads are much better for marine uses.
Perry posted 01-16-2010 12:00 PM ET (US)
I tried Alumaglow and it works great on my aluminum T-Top. I used Brasso to get the aluminum real clean and shinny then put on the Alumaglow.
Here is a link to the product:
[url]http://www.myboatstore.com/alumaglow.asp[/url}
Perry posted 01-16-2010 12:01 PM ET (US)
oops.. http://www.myboatstore.com/alumaglow.asp
inksails posted 01-17-2010 10:36 AM ET (US)
Use FLITZ and a buffer. You will be very pleased.
ScottS posted 01-19-2010 08:50 AM ET (US)
I second the Flitz recommendation. It cleans most metals with just light rubbing needed.
I also second the recommendation not to use steel wool or you may end up with little rust spots on your deck or in your bilge.

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Author	Topic: Polishing the aluminum T-Top, products?
stevedwyer	posted 01-15-2010 11:35 AM ET (US) I have a factory T-Top and the saltwater has already done a number on the aluminum. What is the best way to polish it and get rid of the corrosion? I have heard Woody wax products are good and I tried a regular polish and doing it by hand but I think I am going to use a buffer. I just want to know if anyone knows of a product that could make it any easier.. By the way, I was referred to this site last week and after reading through it I have learned a lot already, its great
gnr	posted 01-15-2010 11:39 AM ET (US) Mother's metal polishing products work very well. I have seen 20 year old brushed aluminum fork lowers polished to a chrome like finish using Mothers and a buffer. And a lot of time.
diveorfish	posted 01-15-2010 02:05 PM ET (US) Woody Wax cleans, protects and lifts very minor corrosion, but it doesn't fix pitting or serious corrosion.
stevedwyer	posted 01-16-2010 10:25 AM ET (US) Its pretty heavy corrosion at this point, Thats why I was thinking about using the buffer, its tough getting up under tha T-Top though. I don't want to use steel wool because I heard it leaves little rust marks all over the boat aparently. Have any of you used white scotch brite pads for this? read it on the internet yesterday.. I want to get all the pitting cleaned up and then abviously polish and or wax it to protect it.
BlueMax	posted 01-16-2010 11:17 AM ET (US) This thread may get moved to the Repairs and Maintenance section, but when i read your question I wondered what about using copper pads instead of steel wool? I googled copper pads to find the brand name and one of the first articles was titled "Removing scratches from stainless steel appliances" which had various Q&A remedies and recommendations. If Jim will let this link stand - http://www.finishing.com/4000-4199/4148.shtml Max
lizard	posted 01-16-2010 11:39 AM ET (US) Do not use steel wool in a marine application. Tiny fibers break off, get wet, rust on your hull/deck. Scotch Brite abrasive pads are much better for marine uses.
Perry	posted 01-16-2010 12:00 PM ET (US) I tried Alumaglow and it works great on my aluminum T-Top. I used Brasso to get the aluminum real clean and shinny then put on the Alumaglow. Here is a link to the product: [url]http://www.myboatstore.com/alumaglow.asp[/url}
Perry	posted 01-16-2010 12:01 PM ET (US) oops.. http://www.myboatstore.com/alumaglow.asp
inksails	posted 01-17-2010 10:36 AM ET (US) Use FLITZ and a buffer. You will be very pleased.
ScottS	posted 01-19-2010 08:50 AM ET (US) I second the Flitz recommendation. It cleans most metals with just light rubbing needed. I also second the recommendation not to use steel wool or you may end up with little rust spots on your deck or in your bilge.