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Old 07-11-2017, 08:45 PM   #1
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Cleaning aluminum window frames

My Campster has aluminum window and door frames that I would like to clean up. Doing a search didn't bring up any threads that looked like they addressed this.

They are unpainted aluminum and look corroded or simply discolored. If possible, I would like to clean them and brighten them up.

Thanks
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Old 07-11-2017, 11:08 PM   #2
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You probably already know this, but start small and gentle to find what works and doesn't cause damage. I'd try an automotive aluminum cleaner first and progress to abrasives if necessary. Bar Keeper's Friend is a gentle abrasive to try, or some toothpaste to see if it works. If your cleaning cloth/pad doesn't come away very black very quickly, you might be dealing with a different finish than you think. Let us know what you try and what works. Good luck!
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Old 07-12-2017, 12:16 AM   #3
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Mothers mag wheel polish, white jar and 0000 steel wool, wear rubber gloves, they will shine like the sun
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Old 07-12-2017, 03:09 AM   #4
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Originally Posted by Dave Fish View Post
My Campster has aluminum window and door frames that I would like to clean up. Doing a search didn't bring up any threads that looked like they addressed this.

They are unpainted aluminum and look corroded or simply discolored. If possible, I would like to clean them and brighten them up.

Thanks
Dave, there have been a few posts on this. I think Ian G had a thread on polishing up aluminum that was great, came out looking like chrome . Hopefully he will chime in for you.
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Old 07-12-2017, 05:22 AM   #5
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Following for info.

I've just pulled all my windows out and removed the belly band so polishing aluminum is on my radar. The windows have a lot of rust contamination and I need to removed a lot of old caulk from the belly band. Ugh.
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Old 07-12-2017, 09:24 AM   #6
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I just polished the exterior aluminum on our 1974 Boler with NeverDull - a product available at your local (in Canada) Canadian Tire. Works very well :-)
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Old 07-12-2017, 09:49 AM   #7
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I just polished the exterior aluminum on our 1974 Boler with NeverDull - a product available at your local (in Canada) Canadian Tire. Works very well :-)
Will it remove the oxidation? I will be in Canada in 2 weeks. I may have to make a side trip.
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Old 07-12-2017, 10:28 AM   #8
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Never Dull is available in the U.S.

West Marine Carries Never Dull. Probably also at auto parts stores.
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Old 07-12-2017, 10:49 AM   #9
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Yes - it removes the oxidation, but not the pitting that may have occurred. The other thing about Never Dull - which I like - it is cost effective
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Old 07-12-2017, 01:24 PM   #10
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If your planning to do this on the trailer mask off the area with blue tape so you don't get black smudge all over your gell-coat.

For me its clean with barkeeps friend with a soft brush, then polish with Blue Magic. But once you get it all shiny then you have to polish it all the time since its bare aluminium.
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Old 07-12-2017, 02:11 PM   #11
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https://www.autosol.com/ has an aluminum version.
Available on both sides of the border.

FYI I tried it after cleaning and using bar keepers friend.
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Old 07-12-2017, 03:57 PM   #12
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This will get you a MIRROR finish try OUATOR - pronounced "water" if you can find it anymore. Another GREAT product is Wenol -- https://www.amazon.com/Wenol-Polish-...s=wenol+polish
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Old 07-12-2017, 05:50 PM   #13
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Polishing Window frames

Use "OOOO" grade fine steel wool with whatever lubricant/polish you desire. Cuts time in half, easily! Keeps the Boler belly band shiny, too!
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Old 07-12-2017, 11:49 PM   #14
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also Brasso, its messy cause its liquid but works great. I think NeverDull is the same just with wadding added
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Old 07-13-2017, 06:19 AM   #15
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https://www.autosol.com/ has an aluminum version.
Available on both sides of the border.
I second that.
Expensive stuff ($16 for a toothpaste tube size here in Canada) but turned my aluminium window frames into chrome in no time with my cordless drill and buffer wheel. I was amazed. Worked much better that NevrDull.
I didn't know they have an aluminium version, mine is the regular polish.
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Old 07-13-2017, 06:36 AM   #16
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I second that.
Expensive stuff ($16 for a toothpaste tube size here in Canada) but turned my aluminium window frames into chrome in no time with my cordless drill and buffer wheel. I was amazed. Worked much better that NevrDull.
I didn't know they have an aluminium version, mine is the regular polish.
I just picked up some Autosol at CT this morning. Looks to be a better price than the Nevr Dull as well. Good to hear it works better.

Couldn't find the aisle with the elbow grease though.
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Old 07-13-2017, 06:40 AM   #17
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Old school method. Steel wool and mineral oil.
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Old 07-13-2017, 07:21 AM   #18
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Steel wool can contaminate the aluminum and discolor it.
With aircraft we never do it.
This is a camper, however so if it works for you then go for it.
They make truck brightener which is an acid wash and it works well, just rinse well.
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Old 07-13-2017, 11:22 AM   #19
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As a follow up to the Autosol I bought this morning...I got impatient and tried it out on the drip edge from over the door on my Trillium. Two minutes with paper towel and a micro-fibre cloth gave an awesome finish. I'm sure a little more work can shine it up like new. 40+ years of oxidization gone in no time.
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Old 07-13-2017, 12:50 PM   #20
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As a follow up to the Autosol I bought this morning...I got impatient and tried it out on the drip edge from over the door on my Trillium. Two minutes with paper towel and a micro-fibre cloth gave an awesome finish. I'm sure a little more work can shine it up like new. 40+ years of oxidization gone in no time.
Perfect. I was debating between the Nevr-dull and the Autosol. I'm also dealing with 40 plus years of oxidation. I guess Autosol is going to win. I'll have to look for it locally.

Thanks for all the help. I'll post pictures in a week or so when I get a chance to tackle it.
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