Need to properly treat my DIY alum table (1 Viewer)

[alia176]

Fellas,
I have this alum table that I built and I'm constantly dealing with a dark varnish of some sort after wiping. I can't seem to keep it clean. I don't cut anything on the table but I'd like to have it stay varnish free.

I'd like to clean it with some sort of a cleaner then spray coat it with something. Please let me know the best material for this application. I don't often place super hot pans on this table as they just cool down on the stove. You can see the table in action in the second pic.

The table is turned upside down and slid inside a storage compartment (lined with carpet on the floor) under the RTT.

Thanks.

 

[lumpy70]

No expert, but clear epoxy, or clearcoat?

 

[BMThiker]

If you can disassemble the top from the leg/frame, then I would have it powder coated. They can offer you just about any color you can imagine and it will hold up better than any epoxy paint. This is a popular vendor for the powder, so a lot of coaters will just tell you to find the one you like here and they order it. They do metallic too, so you could have done in a "natural" finish.

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[eatSleepWoof]

That looks like normal aluminium residue.

Pick up some Mother's Metal Polish, get a lot of buffing pads, and start applying polish w/ pads on the surface. You'll want to use a drill or an actual polisher. First few pads will come away covered in that same black junk, but with time you'll remove it all and will end up with an awesome shine.

 

[alia176]

That looks like normal aluminium residue.

Pick up some Mother's Metal Polish, get a lot of buffing pads, and start applying polish w/ pads on the surface. You'll want to use a drill or an actual polisher. First few pads will come away covered in that same black junk, but with time you'll remove it all and will end up with an awesome shine.

ok, thanks!

 

[clrussell]

Details of how this mounts under the tent? I’ve been wanting something similar however haven’t seen anyone execute it.

 

[eatSleepWoof]

Details of how this mounts under the tent? I’ve been wanting something similar however haven’t seen anyone execute it.

Probably similar to how Front Runner does it - z-channel: Under-Rack Table Slides - by Front Runner - https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/en/us/table-brackets-for-mki-table-incl-latch-rrac097.html

 

[alia176]

Details of how this mounts under the tent? I’ve been wanting something similar however haven’t seen anyone execute it.

My own storage solution, out of bent 1/8" alum, sandwiched by the RTT. Storage accessible from both sides and lockable. Table is 48" long and 24" wide.

 

[clrussell]

Thank you for that!

Definitely gives me some ideas on storage under my tent.

 

[alia176]

Thank you for that!

Definitely gives me some ideas on storage under my tent.

You're welcome, gotta use every little bit of available space! The table is a game changer as it makes food prep/cooking way more enjoyable.

 

[clrussell]

You're welcome, gotta use every little bit of available space! The table is a game changer as it makes food prep/cooking way more enjoyable.

I agree. I added one to my swing out on my last setup and it was so so much better than working on the tailgate.

I’m thinking I’ll devise a way to put my chairs up there and a small table.

 

[alia176]

I have a flip up table on gas struts on the back, aka boner table . Usually, that's my coffee or alcohol bar, depending the time of day.

 

[Rusty Marlin]

Aluminum naturally oxidizes, you can polish till the cows come home and make it shine like a mirror, but unless you artificially oxidize it with an Anodized finish it will always go to a darkish grey finish all on is own. That's how aluminum protects itself from further oxidation.
However...
There is a finish used on aircraft and air-stream trailers called shark hide. I've never used it and have no affiliation.

http://www.sharkhide.com/mpinfo.html