Protecting raw aluminum against oxidation?

[ZL1Mark]

A friend has a Caterham - it's a kit car based on the Lotus 7 (http://www.caterham.co.uk/). The "bonnet", as well as the tub, are plain-jane aluminum (that's "Al-u-min-i-um" ;-))



He & I are working on it w. some Mother's aluminum polish, which is going fine; but after all that work it'll be a bummer to see it oxidize again. We were wondering if wax would do any good to try & seal it against the atmosphere - or if anyone had any other ideas?



BTW, the car is a hoot to drive. It weighs, I kid you not, 1,280 pounds. Has a 4-banger, but am not sure how much power it puts out. The website above has plenty of pics...

 

[imported_uzj100]

There is a new product out that was advertised in some of the car mags a couple of months ago. I'm not much help here because I can't remember what it's called but it is for polished or raw aluminum. It's used for billit wheels and such. Basically it's like zanio for aluminum. It seals it and is completely clear.

 

[BradE]

Any high quality sealant like Zaino or Klasse will protect the surface.

 

[thevolvoguy]

Any high quality sealant like Zaino or Klasse will protect the surface.

Thats what I thought. But when it wears off you will need to re coat it.

 

[ZL1Mark]

Thanks, guys.



I did a google search and came up with, among others, www.sharkhide.com - looks like marine & aviation environments will have the most experience dealing w. this issue.

 

[Accordian]

Check out this site if you want to achieve dazzling results! I don't have an airstream, but have kept the bookmark simply for visiting periodically to admire the shine.





http://www.perfectpolish.com/

 

[louissc]

blue magic provides an incredible barrier against all elements...i use it on my semi...and i cant tell you how abused that gets..IT WORKS

 

[TortoiseAWD]

I believe Wenol is another polish recommended to clean and protect aluminum (it leaves behind some kind of protection, I have no idea what exactly).



Tort

 

[tbirder]

[quote name='rhenriksen']A friend has a Caterham - it's a kit car based on the Lotus 7 (Caterham Cars - Designed for racing, built for living). The "bonnet", as well as the tub, are plain-jane aluminum (that's "Al-u-min-i-um" ;-))



He & I are working on it w. some Mother's aluminum polish, which is going fine; but after all that work it'll be a bummer to see it oxidize again. We were wondering if wax would do any good to try & seal it against the atmosphere - or if anyone had any other ideas?







Hi all,

I realize this is a very old thread, but some may still be interested.

we use Sharkhide Metal Protectant to protect any type of metal, especially aluminum.

I don't have any pictures of rims and such to show, but I think these shots of boats will work.

Clint





This is a shot of a pontoon boat we polished, then applied two coats of Sharkhide on. This year will be its second year of use with no sighns of staining or discoloring.

This is a shot of a boat that was coated with Sharkhide about two years ago. It's used for fishing in the Pacific Ocean. The black you see is where the owner missed when he applied the Sharkhide.