Cleaning Aluminum.

[BCR4619]

I have a few horns I gotta clean at home and from what I've been reading on the US forums I need a product called "Kleen-Strip phosphoric Prep and etch" but it's not sold in Canada go figure.

Has anyone else used a liquid based product that can remove the oxidation from aluminum and make it shiny to an extent and return it to its cast state?

Has any of the guys that go to the states seen it anywhere? It's a green solution sold at every home depot, lowes and so on.

 

[Glenn-BJ74]

scotch bright pad or equivalent

 

[Michael Hanson]

Buffer wheel and polish. MIke

 

[Badaboum]

Muriatic acid, also commonly used by the mob to make a body go to your drain... Available commercially not sure if its on the tablet...
Watch your fingers!

 

[Enigma]

Cleaning?

 

[BCR4619]

Here is basically the look im going after, if you watch this video near the end he uses the prep and etch and it works like a charm.

Here is what im working against.

 

[Glenn-BJ74]

glass bead blast

 

[BCR4619]

glass bead blast

Thanks Glenn, that's prob going to be my last resort but its definitely on my radar if I cant find something else, I heard plastic media also works very well.

I will stop by my local auto parts store tomorrow and see if I can find a light chemical for now to get me rolling.

 

[Badaboum]

You can give these guys on vancouver a call.. see number at bottom.
Where did you found these trumpets? I whant some! couldnt find stainless but never tough about alumi...
And if you play with chemical, be safe!


Details
Enviro-Science Laboratories Inc., a subsidiary company of Water On Net Corporation, is pleased to announce the global introduction of its remarkable muriatic acid replacement.
SuperSafe Acid® uses include chemical processing & manufacturing, etching, petroleum production, ceramic, leather, rubber, soap & textile manufacturing, mining & metallurgy, paint, varnish, ink & dye production, paper manufacturing, water purification and balance control, food processing, and residential cleaning tasks.
SuperSafe Acid ® makes use of new proprietary technology that actually blocks the action of the acid from attacking normal skin. This results in an acid which has up to 90% less fuming, is much safer to handle, and still has all the strength of regular muriatic acid*. SuperSafe Acid ® is currently used in Canada as part of the BlueMagic Pool & Spa Care System™.Enviro-Science Laboratories, 8250 Ross Street, Vancouver, BC V5X 4C6. Tel: 604-327-4645 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 604-327-4645 end_of_the_skype_highlighting; Fax: 604-327-9434.

http://www.wateronline.com/Lead.mvc/New?leadIds=386858,d5dc19f3-63b1-11d4-8c56-009027de0829&type=3

 

[baxter650]

Might try one of the aluminum wheel cleaners on the market, the type for non coated wheels.
They are mildly acidic and may do the trick.

 

[baxter650]

If you do use muriatic acid, keep in mind the fumes from it will quickly rust up any bare metal within reach.
Don't leave the container open by anything that may rust.
I destroyed the finish on a set of sockets left overnight by an open container of acid.

 

[wrongway around]

acid in full strength will turn it yellow,dillute with water . have you done the white gas ,comet and water trick,used to work great on my old airsteam bus.

 

[BCR4619]

Thanks for all the help guys.. While I was picking up some Aircraft grade aluminum stripper at KMS Tools I found out the cleaner they sell is an ask only product and it it kept in the Employees area and that stuff did the trick with some 0000 steel wool.

 

[Enigma]

Would this cleaner you got work on greasy/dirty winch casings?

 

[BCR4619]

I don't think it will work very well if its greasy, I am getting a filthy horns covered in soot tomorrow and can let you know when I get a chance to test a spot.

Most guy use a degreaser such a carb cleaner or equivalent to cut the grease first then move on to the cleaning part.

My manifold in the above picture came out pretty clean with a toothbrush and that stuff but the amount of grease was minimal as where they are situated on top of the engine.

 

[ForealBoreal]

ah nothing a bit of brake clean won't prep for ya!