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Old 08-29-2013, 06:34 AM   #1
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2001 25' Safari
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Replacement Sheet Aluminum Polishing

We installed a sheet of aluminum as a backsplash in our 2001 Safari. Any cleaning ideas? It's unfinished, hasn't been polished to a shine at all. I'm just terrified of damaging it. I would love that high polish finish, but it's not absolutely necessary. We are also not looking to seal it. Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

Cheryl
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Old 08-29-2013, 09:52 AM   #2
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Originally Posted by TincanRitz View Post
We installed a sheet of aluminum as a backsplash in our 2001 Safari. Any cleaning ideas? It's unfinished, hasn't been polished to a shine at all. I'm just terrified of damaging it. I would love that high polish finish, but it's not absolutely necessary. We are also not looking to seal it. Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

Cheryl
Do you have any extra material to practice on?

I have gotten a nice "brushed" look that is comparable to the exterior with Scotch-Pads, using a consistent horizontal motion.

Disclaimer....you must practice with different coarseness to get the look your after.

I did the battery door surrounds with wet sandpaper. Graduating from 600 to 1500 grit with plenty of water.

Bob
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Old 08-29-2013, 12:11 PM   #3
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And if you do go with a Scotch-Brite product then use a mechanical holder plate - with finger/palm pressure points there will ALWAYS be texture differences when the whole area is considered. Also - you might try breaking in the pads in on a scrap piece of aluminum (not iron!) since the coating they put on the wove pad is not equal and will have some very proud high spots that really streak.
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Old 08-30-2013, 03:44 AM   #4
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Do you have any extra material to practice on?

I have gotten a nice "brushed" look that is comparable to the exterior with Scotch-Pads, using a consistent horizontal motion.

Disclaimer....you must practice with different coarseness to get the look your after.

I did the battery door surrounds with wet sandpaper. Graduating from 600 to 1500 grit with plenty of water.

Bob

Wow, it matches perfectly, nicely done. Thanks for the info. I'll need to check and see if we have some leftover pieces to practice on.
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Old 08-30-2013, 03:47 AM   #5
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And if you do go with a Scotch-Brite product then use a mechanical holder plate - with finger/palm pressure points there will ALWAYS be texture differences when the whole area is considered. Also - you might try breaking in the pads in on a scrap piece of aluminum (not iron!) since the coating they put on the wove pad is not equal and will have some very proud high spots that really streak.

"Mechanical holder plate", such as a sander/polisher? Thanks for the info.
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Old 08-30-2013, 04:41 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TincanRitz View Post
"Mechanical holder plate", such as a sander/polisher? Thanks for the info.
Sanding block...used for larger flat surface's.


Did not use one on the battery door surrounds, as they are slightly rounded. Just sanded in one direction.
Forgot to mention.....obviously, door open and several layers of blue painters tape on the panels.

Bob
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Old 08-31-2013, 09:48 AM   #7
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Go to a NAPA store, and buy a spray can of automotive clearcoat. Make sure there is no grease on the aluminum. Clean it with either paint thinner or lacquer thinner and make sure it's dry.
Two coats should work just fine. I also use this to touch up the exterior from time to time.
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