Cleaning, protecting and restoring aluminium or anodised aluminium
See our guide pages for:
- Acrylic (rigid plastic) - windows, washboards, hatches
- Aluminium or anodised aluminium
- Anti-slip areas
- Clear vinyl (flexible plastic) windows
- Fabrics - canopies awnings etc
- Fabrics - furnishing
- Fibreglass, grp, gel coat, polyester
- Leather
- Painted metal
- Painted wood
- PVC - fenders etc
- Stainless steel
- Teak - oiled or varnished
- Varnished wood
- Vinyl, pvc and vinyl coated fabrics
Aluminium rapidly forms an oxide coating when exposed to air. Unlike rusting iron, the oxide prevents further reaction and protects the metal below. Abrasive cleaning removes the coating, which then reforms due to reaction with oxygen in the air. Repeated removal of the oxide reduces the thickness and strength of the component.
Avoid wire wool, abrasive cleaners and products like ordinary metal polish or car polish as these are abrasive.
Avoid acid or alkaline cleaners.
Maintenance
Use clean fresh water or BoatSheen wash and wax.
If there is a grain in the finish, clean with the grain.
Protection
BoatSheen Performance boat wax or Best Brazilian boat wax help to throw off water and reduce salt marks or hard water marks.
Restoration
Clean and degrease with BoatSheen Tough boat cleaner. Remove stains and corrosion with Alubright.
Avoid abrasives if possible as these will alter the appearance.