Oxidation Removal Ideas

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by ThePazza101, Jul 12, 2010.

  1. ThePazza101
    Joined: Jul 2010
    Posts: 5
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    Location: Australia

    ThePazza101 Junior Member

    Hi
    I have a 14' foot aluminium hull but it has moderate to severe oxidation on most of the surface. I have tried many different methods to remove the chalky oxidation, these methods include: Brown vineger, high pressure water cleaner, septone aluminium cleaner (acid based), wire brushing, wet dry sandpaper.
    All have had limited or no effect.
    Any ideas are greatly appreciated thanks,
    Jayce
     
  2. apex1

    apex1 Guest

    May I ask, why would one remove the best protecion the material has?

    Yes it looks ugly, but that was part of the deal, was´nt it?

    LEAVE IT AS IT IS, you have got a perfect corrosion protection.

    Regards
    Richard
     
  3. CDK
    Joined: Aug 2007
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    Location: Adriatic sea

    CDK retired engineer

    You can remove the oxide with any acid. Hydrochloric acid works very fast but can dissolve your whole boat if you do not stop the process in time, so have a water hose ready.
    A more civilized approach is using warm oxalic acid.

    Remember that the aluminum oxide once was part of the boat and you want to wash that away now. Like Apex1 pointed out, your boat needs this oxide layer to protect it.
     
  4. FAST FRED
    Joined: Oct 2002
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    Location: Conn in summers , Ortona FL in winter , with big d

    FAST FRED Senior Member

    If you are looking for "shiney" a buffing wheel is the only way.

    The aircraft guys have great great equippment for seeing your face in the reflection, at midnight.

    But its a constant never ending chore, and they seldom dunk the shiney aircraft in salt water.

    FF
     
  5. jonr
    Joined: Sep 2008
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    Location: Great Lakes

    jonr Senior Member

    A truck wash can do an acid wash. Comes out looking nice, but better to learn to like the oxidized look.
     
  6. TeddyDiver
    Joined: Dec 2007
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    Location: Finland/Norway

    TeddyDiver Gollywobbler

    Wear old (=worn) RayBans, it helps:)
     

  7. ThePazza101
    Joined: Jul 2010
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    Location: Australia

    ThePazza101 Junior Member

    Hey guys thanks for your help.
    The boat is a 30+ year old ex-hire boat that has taken a beating. I am planning on painting the boat with a 2-pack marine paint and then several coats of clear to stop the oxidation from returning, Thanks FAST FRED for the idea and i shall hire a buffing wheel this weekend to try that.
     
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