Cleaning Aluminum Boat Corrosion: Effective Strategies And Techniques

Aluminum boats are susceptible to corrosion, especially if they have been exposed to saltwater. Corrosion can cause pitting and oxidation, leaving the boat with a rough, chalky residue. To clean and restore an aluminum boat, you will need to remove marine growth and surface corrosion, buff the surface, and apply a protective coating. This process can be done using various products and techniques, ranging from chemical cleaners and metal polishes to power tools and abrasive pads.

Use a phosphoric acid etch/brightener, then a chromic acid solution

To clean corrosion from an aluminium boat, you can use a two-step process: phosphoric acid and then a chromic acid solution.

First, apply a phosphoric acid etch/brightener. Allow this to sit for a few minutes and work it into the surface with a Scotch-Brite pad. Then, rinse thoroughly with water. This will remove the thin layer of aluminium oxide that prevents paints and coatings from adhering to the surface.

Next, apply a chromic acid solution (commonly called 'Alodine') with a sponge. Keep this solution off your skin as chromium is highly toxic. Allow it to sit for a while, then rinse with water and let the aluminium dry.

Now your aluminium boat is ready for a clear coat, primer, paint, or other protective coating. This two-step process ensures that any coating will adhere to the aluminium properly. Without it, your coating will not stick to the aluminium and will likely delaminate after a short period.

Clean with Zep-A-Lume, then wash with Arm and Hammer soda water

To clean corrosion from your aluminum boat, you can use Zep-A-Lume, a phosphoric acid etch product. This will need to be applied with a sprayer, and you should wear protective clothing, including goggles, gloves, and a face mask. The concentration of the acid will depend on the temperature of the application and the metal you are cleaning. For best results, warm the boat's surface in the sun or with a weed burner before application. Once the foaming action stops, rinse the product off with a hose.

After using Zep-A-Lume, you can wash your boat with Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda. This product is 100% sodium carbonate and is fragrance- and phosphate-free. It can be used as a laundry booster and a general household cleaner. It can be used on hard surfaces both indoors and outdoors and is safe to use in HE washing machines.

Try a home remedy: mix white vinegar and lemon juice with warm water

If you're looking for a home remedy to clean your aluminum boat, a mixture of white vinegar and lemon juice with warm water can do the trick. This solution is highly acidic and effective against oxidation, a common issue with aluminum boats. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use this method:

Step 1: Create the Cleaning Solution

Mix equal parts white vinegar and lemon juice with warm water. The acidic properties of both vinegar and lemon juice make them active agents against oxidation. You can adjust the proportions based on the severity of the corrosion and the size of the affected area.

Step 2: Apply the Solution

Soak a soft cloth or sponge in the vinegar-lemon juice solution. Gently scrub the oxidized areas of your boat with the soaked cloth or sponge. Ensure you cover all the corroded sections, scrubbing in a consistent direction to achieve a uniform finish.

Step 3: Alternative Application Method

If the surface you're working on is small, you can apply lemon juice by cutting a lemon in half and rubbing it directly onto the oxidized area. This method provides a more concentrated dose of lemon juice to the affected area. After rubbing, use a wet cloth or paper towel to wipe away the lemon juice.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Once you've finished scrubbing the boat with the vinegar-lemon juice solution, thoroughly rinse the boat with clean water to remove any remaining residue. Finally, dry the aluminum surface with a clean, dry microfiber cloth or towel. This step is crucial to prevent water spots and streaks from forming on your boat's surface.

Additional Tips:

• Always test your cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of your boat before applying it to larger surfaces.
• Avoid using abrasive materials like steel wool or abrasive pads, as they can scratch the aluminum.
• For heavily oxidized areas, you may need to repeat the process or seek alternative commercial aluminum cleaners.
• Regular maintenance is essential to keep your aluminum boat in good condition.

Use a Scotchbrite Pad with a drill attachment

To clean corrosion from your aluminium boat, a Scotchbrite Pad with a drill attachment can be very effective. This method is especially useful for cleaning the aluminium splashwell of your boat.

Firstly, you will need to purchase a Scotchbrite Pad and a drill attachment. These can be found at hardware stores such as Harbor Freight, or online. Make sure you get the correct drill attachment, as you will need one that is compatible with the Scotchbrite Pad.

Next, attach the Scotchbrite Pad to the drill. This will allow you to quickly and effectively clean large areas of your boat. You may want to start with a fine-grit pad and progress to a medium-grit, as the medium-grit pads are more aggressive and may be too harsh for the surface of your boat.

Now, you can turn on the drill and begin cleaning the corroded areas of your boat. Pay close attention to the direction of your strokes, as you will want to work with the grain of the aluminium, not against it. Use consistent polishing strokes, and be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this could damage the surface of your boat.

Finally, once you have finished cleaning, be sure to rinse the boat with water to remove any residue from the Scotchbrite Pad. You may also want to apply a protective coating to prevent future corrosion.

Treat area with Aluma Brite Aluminum Cleaner and Brightener

To treat an area with Aluma Brite Aluminum Cleaner and Brightener, you must first dilute the product. One gallon of the concentrate makes two gallons of the ready-to-use product.

Once you have prepared the solution, spray it onto the affected area of your boat. Allow the product to sit and foam up. Then, simply rinse the product off with cold pressurized water.

Aluma Brite is a highly concentrated, non-fuming, acid detergent that has been designed to remove carbon, grease, oils, stains, and diesel smoke from aluminum. It is safe and easy to use, and will not discolour aluminum surfaces.

Frequently asked questions