Removing Pitting From Your Aluminum Boat: A Step-By-Step Guide

Pitting is a type of corrosion that occurs on the surface of aluminum boats, resulting in cavities or pits that can be difficult to remove. The process of removing pitting typically involves several steps, including cleaning the aluminum surface, sanding down the pitted areas, buffing the sanded surface, using an aluminum restorer, and applying polish and wax.

One common method for removing pitting is dry sanding, which involves using sandpaper with increasing grit levels to smooth out the pitted areas. Another approach is wet sanding, which can help reduce dust and clogging issues associated with dry sanding. Additionally, power tools such as power washers and electric buffers can be used to clean and polish the aluminum surface.

It is important to choose the right cleaning products when washing the aluminum boat, as some soaps with high levels of alkaline or acidity can strip away the metal's natural protection. Special care should also be taken when working with certain chemicals, such as chromic acid, which is highly toxic.

Once the pitting has been removed, it is crucial to apply a protective coating, such as wax or a clear coat, to prevent future corrosion and maintain the boat's shine.

Wash the aluminium boat

The first step to removing pitting from an aluminium boat is to thoroughly wash the surface. This will help to remove any dirt, grime and loose debris, and is important because aluminium must be free of buildup before applying an aluminium cleaning product.

• Spray down the aluminium surfaces of your boat with water to help loosen any dirt and grime.
• Fill a bucket with water and add a mild soap with low alkalinity. Common dish soap often has high alkaline levels that can end up stripping the wax from the surface.
• Soak a sponge or soft-bristled brush in the soapy water and scrub the boat.
• For problem areas that won't come clean, try using steel wool or a soft scrub pad to scour the surface.
• Rinse the soap and dirt off the boat thoroughly with water. If the boat is still not clean, repeat the process or move on to a more powerful cleaning method.

It is important to note that you should always wear protective goggles and gloves when cleaning your boat to prevent soap and cleaning products from getting into your eyes and drying out your hands.

Rinsing

After washing your boat, it is important to thoroughly rinse the aluminium surface with fresh water to remove any remaining dirt, debris and soap residue. Start at the top of the boat and work your way down, paying close attention to seams, crevices and other hard-to-reach areas to ensure that all cleaning products are removed. You can use a hose or a bucket to rinse the boat.

Drying

Once you have rinsed the boat, it is important to dry the surface thoroughly with a sponge, chamois, microfiber cloth or soft towel to prevent water spots and streaks from forming as the boat air dries.

Sand the pitted sections

Sanding is an important step in removing pitting from an aluminum boat. Here is a detailed guide on how to sand the pitted sections:

Before you begin sanding, ensure that the surface is completely dry. Start the sanding process by using sandpaper with a grit of around 200-400. This type of sandpaper is more abrasive and will help remove the deep pits effectively. Make sure to apply enough pressure during this initial sanding process to smooth out the pitted areas.

Once you have removed the majority of the pits, switch to a finer grit sandpaper, such as 600-800 grit. This finer sandpaper will help you achieve a smoother finish. Repeat the sanding process 2-3 more times, using a finer grit sandpaper each time. This gradual progression from coarse to fine sandpaper will ensure that you effectively remove the pitting without causing further damage to the aluminum surface.

If you are using the dry sanding method, make sure to remove any dust or debris from the surface after each sanding pass. This will help you achieve the best results and avoid scratching the surface with residual dust particles.

An alternative method is wet sanding, which involves using sandpaper specifically designed for wet applications. Wet the sandpaper with a mixture of water and a small amount of dishwashing liquid. This technique produces less dust and is less likely to clog the sandpaper. However, it is important to note that wet sanding takes more time and removes less material, so it is generally done by hand.

After completing the sanding process, it is important to buff the sanded surface to remove any remaining traces of pitting and create a smoother finish. This step can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, so the use of an electric buffer is highly recommended for best results.

Buff the sanded surface

Buffing the sanded surface is a crucial step in restoring pitted aluminium. This process requires a significant amount of time and effort to be effective, so it is recommended to use an electric buffer for quicker and better results.

Firstly, it is important to set realistic expectations. The surface of the aluminium will be dusty, and traces of pitting will still be visible. The goal of buffing is to remove these traces and create a smooth finish.

Next, select an appropriate buffing pad for the job. There are various types of buffing pads available, including wool, foam, and cloth pads. Each type of pad is designed for a specific purpose, so choosing the right one is essential. Wool pads, for instance, are ideal for cutting and polishing, while foam pads are perfect for applying wax and sealant. Cloth pads, on the other hand, are suitable for light polishing and cleaning.

Once you have selected the right buffing pad, it's time to attach it to your electric buffer. Make sure the pad is securely attached before starting the machine. Set the buffer to a low speed and gently apply it to the sanded surface, working in small sections at a time.

Move the buffer in slow, circular motions, applying light pressure as you work. Take your time and be careful not to stay in one spot for too long, as this can generate heat and damage the aluminium. Work your way across the entire surface until you have buffed all the sanded areas.

Finally, wipe away any dust or residue with a clean, dry cloth. This will help ensure a smooth finish and allow you to inspect your work.

Buffing the sanded surface is a labour-intensive process, but it is essential for restoring pitted aluminium on your boat. By taking your time and using the right tools, you can achieve a smooth, polished finish that will make your boat look like new again.

Apply wax to polish the pitted sections

Once you have washed, sanded, and restored the pitted aluminium sections of your boat, it's time to apply wax to polish the pitted areas. This final step will not only restore shine to the metal but also protect it from harsh weather conditions and oxidation.

Firstly, ensure you have the right products. You can use a polish and wax designed for aluminium surfaces, or a general-purpose polish and wax. You will also need a clean cloth or soft brush to apply the products.

Apply the polish in sections, using a clean cloth or soft brush. Work in small areas, as you don't want the wax to dry before you get to the other side. Once you have applied the wax, leave it to air-dry for a few minutes. After 5-10 minutes, the wax should have a dull glaze, and you can begin buffing it with a clean cotton or microfiber cloth. Use circular motions and a new section of the cloth for each area to avoid spreading dirt.

Combining different polishes and waxes will help you manage corrosion and prevent further pitting.

Use a restorer on the aluminium surface

Once you have washed, dried, sanded, and buffed the aluminium surface, you can use a restorer on the aluminium surface to address the corrosion. Since pitting is the result of aluminium corrosion, you can assume that the entire metal surface has been corroded to some extent. This needs to be addressed.

Apply your chosen aluminium restorer as directed. This should remove the buildup of oxidation on the aluminium, which is where the corrosion begins. Removing the oxidation will also restore some of the aluminium’s lost shine. There are restorers combined with cleaners or even polishes, and any of these would be fine to use as well.

After restoring the pitted aluminium, the final step is to apply polish and wax to the aluminium. While the polish allows the aluminium to regain most of its shine, it also provides protection against extreme weather and corrosion. The wax will allow the aluminium’s protective coating to last longer, so you won’t have to polish again too soon.

Just try to be thorough in applying both the polish and wax. Use an electric polisher for faster and better results. Using both polish and wax allow you to keep corrosion levels under control and prevent pitting.

Frequently asked questions