How to restore and protect Aluminum trim and bimini poles.

Skipper April 8, 2016 Ask The Skipper

Dave asked:

I just picked up a 1995 Grady White 192 Tournament. I’m looking to clean misc. aluminum trim such as in cockpit and around windshields, and aluminum bimini poles. Some of the aluminum is a little pitted and oxidized. I was wondering which product you would suggest between Alumabuff and Alumabrite CBX?

Answer:

For your convenience, I’ve highlighted the hyperlinks. Click on the hyperlink to get more information about the selected product.

Both could work but you have to be very careful when using Alumabrite CBX around glass as it will etch and fog the windows, so I would recommend Alumabuff and a Marine Power Mitt. With this combination you can hand buff the aluminum back to a silvery shine. Make sure that when you buff, you do so with the grain and never against it.

Neither product will remove the corrosion pitting. The best you can do is wet sand these areas with 600 to 800 grit wet sandpaper to even them out. Once again, with the grain. If they are too deep, they will reoccur. The only thing you can do in that case is use Alumabrite CBX. The chemical will re-passivate the metal to a degree, which will help neutralize the corrosion.

When you’re through, protect the aluminum with Alumetron, It will prevent future corrosion and can last up to 10 years, It comes with a 5 Year Warranty.

Thanks for your question,

Captain Aurora
Richard Kittar