Cleaning Pitted Aluminum On Your Boat: A Step-By-Step Guide

Pitting, the small holes that form in metal, is a type of corrosion that occurs when the protective coatings around a metal deteriorate due to contact with chloride. For aluminium boats, this is usually caused by saltwater. To clean pitted aluminium on a boat, you can use a variety of methods, including dry sanding, wet sanding, or using a razor blade. After removing the corrosion, you should polish and protect the aluminium surface.

Rinse off dirt and grime with a power washer or hose

Rinsing your aluminium boat is the first step in cleaning it. The goal of this step is to remove any loose dirt and debris from the aluminium surface. This is important because the aluminium must be free of buildup before you apply an aluminium cleaning product.

To rinse off dirt and grime, you can use a power washer or a hose. If using a power washer, attach the pressure washer soap nozzle to a garden hose and spray the boat with biodegradable car soap. Allow the soap to soak for at least five minutes to help loosen the grime before rinsing. If using a hose, start rinsing from the top and work your way down, thoroughly rinsing all surfaces to ensure that all dirt and debris are removed.

Once you have sprayed down the aluminium surfaces, fill a bucket with hot water and add some car soap. Soak a sponge in the soapy water and scrub the boat. For problem areas that won't come clean, try using steel wool.

After rinsing and scrubbing, it is important to thoroughly dry the aluminium surface with a microfiber towel or cloth. This will prevent water spots and streaks from forming on the aluminium.

Wash with a mild soap

To clean pitted aluminum on a boat, you'll first want to give your boat a basic wash to remove loose dirt and debris. This is important because the aluminum must be free of buildup before you apply an aluminum cleaning product.

Here's how to wash your aluminum boat with a mild soap:

• Rinse down the aluminum surfaces on your boat with water to help loosen dirt and grime.
• Fill a bucket with hot water and add a mild soap. Avoid soaps with high alkalinity or acids, as these can strip away the aluminum's inherent defense. Common dish soap often has high alkaline levels, so it's best avoided.
• Soak a sponge in the soapy water and scrub the boat.
• For problem areas that won't come clean, try scouring them with steel wool. If they still don't come clean, these areas can be tackled with an aluminum cleaning solution in the next step.

Once you've given your boat an initial wash, you can move on to applying an aluminum boat cleaning solution.

It's important to note that this is not the only step in the process of cleaning pitted aluminum on a boat. There are several other steps, including sanding and buffing, that are crucial to achieving the desired results.

Dry with a microfiber towel

Drying your aluminum boat with a microfiber towel is an important step in the cleaning process. It ensures that your boat is free of water spots and streaks, maintaining its appearance and integrity. After rinsing off all the dirt and grime from the aluminum surface, it is crucial to dry the boat thoroughly with a microfiber towel. This step prepares the boat for the next stage of the cleaning process, which may involve sanding, buffing, or applying a protective coating.

Microfiber towels are ideal for drying aluminum boats because they are highly absorbent and gentle on the metal surface. They effectively soak up water and help prevent water spots, which can detract from the boat's appearance. When drying the boat, it is recommended to use a soft microfiber cloth and gently wipe down the surfaces. This ensures that the boat is thoroughly dried and helps maintain its shine.

In addition to drying, microfiber towels can also be used for buffing the aluminum surface. After sanding or applying a corrosion remover, use a clean microfiber towel to wipe away any debris or residue. The soft and non-abrasive nature of microfiber towels makes them suitable for this task, as they won't scratch or damage the aluminum.

Another benefit of microfiber towels is their ability to reach tight spaces and crevices. When drying or buffing, you can use the microfiber towel to access hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that no spot is left untouched. This attention to detail will help maintain the uniform appearance of the aluminum boat.

Once the boat is dried and buffed, it is essential to apply a protective coating. This can be in the form of a wax, polish, or sealant. These products not only enhance the shine of the aluminum but also create a barrier against corrosion and the elements. By following this comprehensive cleaning process, including drying with a microfiber towel, you can ensure that your aluminum boat maintains its luster and is protected from deterioration.

Remove corrosion with dry or wet sanding

Removing corrosion with dry or wet sanding is an effective way to clean pitted aluminum on a boat. This process involves using sandpaper to remove the deep pits and create a smooth surface.

If you choose to use the dry sanding method, start with a higher grit sandpaper (200-400) and work your way to a finer grit (600-800). Do two or three rounds of sanding, using finer grit sandpaper than the last for each round. This method will help remove the corrosion and create a smooth finish. However, it is important to note that dry sanding can create a lot of dust and clog the sandpaper.

On the other hand, the wet sanding method is preferred by some as it does not produce as much dust and does not clog the sandpaper as often. For this method, use sandpaper specifically designed for wet sanding, as dry sandpaper will fall apart. Start with a grit of around 200-400, mix a bowl of water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid, wet the paper, and sand off the pitting. Finish by using a fine grit of around 600-800, just like in the dry sanding method.

After sanding, use a rotating buffer or fine steel wool to buff the sanded area. Rub the surface until it appears smooth and free of all pitting. If you still have problem spots, repeat the sanding step. Finally, wipe off all debris with a clean microfiber towel.

Once you have removed the corrosion and smoothed the surface, it is important to apply an aluminum polish and sealer using a clean cloth. This will not only brighten the aluminum but also protect it from further oxidation and pitting.

Apply a protective wax or polish

Once you've cleaned your aluminium boat, it's important to apply a protective wax or polish to create a barrier against the elements. This will not only maintain the boat's appearance but also help to prevent corrosion.

Firstly, it's important to choose the right product. Look for polishes and waxes that are specifically designed for use on aluminium. You should also consider the balance between effectiveness and eco-friendliness when choosing a product. Homemade, natural alternatives may be more eco-friendly but may not be as effective as commercial products. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for diluting the product with water before application and be sure to use proper protective gear.

When applying the wax or polish, use a clean cloth to work the product into the aluminium surface. You can also use a buffing machine to make the process quicker and easier. If using a machine, start by applying the product to the buffing pad while it's in motion. Press the pad into the aluminium and buff, moving slowly from side to side until you've covered all of the aluminium. Remember to add more product as you work and to clear any debris from the buffing pad.

If you're buffing by hand, start by applying the wax or polish to a buffing cloth or pad. Press it to the boat's surface and start buffing in a circular pattern until you've covered the aluminium. Add more product as needed. Remember that buffing by hand can be time- and labour-intensive, especially if the aluminium is heavily oxidised.

Finally, it's important to maintain your boat's finish by regularly cleaning and waxing it. Boat wax should be applied at least once a year to maintain the high shine and protect the aluminium surface.

Frequently asked questions