Removing corrosion from window frames

[mashburn.nick]

Hello!

We're having some significant trouble removing the corrosion that has built up over the years on our aluminum window frames (pictures below).

Here's what we've tried so far:

• Maroon scotch brite pads with WD-40
• Wet sandpaper (various grits)
• Roloc polishing discs, 80 and 120 grit (photo below)

We've actually made some pretty great progress, BUT there's still a small, very annoying amount of corrosion visible on the window frame.

Our question is:

Is there any way to remove the remainder of the corrosion and end up with a nice, smooth, solid looking surface? Are we fighting an uphill battle here and it's not going to get much better?

Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated!

[ROBERT CROSS]

Yes...
Keep going with wet sandpaper...I went from scraper to 80 and finished at 1500 and didn't polish, left it to match the brushed finish on the trailer.

Battery surrounds...but same idea.👍

Bob
🇺🇸

[SilverWind]

We are about to tackle the same project on our 68 Caravel.

We need to work around the glass etc in an otherwise finished interior, so would like to avoid anything that would stain upholstery, wood etc and is odiferous.

We were thinking of trying steel wool and water. Has this worked for anyone?

[mashburn.nick]

SilverWind,

I wouldn't recommend using steel wool, since the frame is made of aluminum and theoretically tiny pieces of steel could get stuck in the aluminum and cause galvanic corrosion.

Regarding steel wool and water, I would think that would cause the steel wool to rust and cause a host of other issues with the potential reaction with the aluminum.

We had a decent level of success using WD-40 with the maroon scotch brite pads, but we're looking to get rid of that last 10-20%.

[SilverWind]

Originally Posted by mashburn.nick

SilverWind,

I wouldn't recommend using steel wool, since the frame is made of aluminum and theoretically tiny pieces of steel could get stuck in the aluminum and cause galvanic corrosion.

Regarding steel wool and water, I would think that would cause the steel wool to rust and cause a host of other issues with the potential reaction with the aluminum.

We had a decent level of success using WD-40 with the maroon scotch brite pads, but we're looking to get rid of that last 10-20%.

Ah....good point. The dissimilar metal thing.

[Aerowood]

Try using a blue (fine) roloc surface conditioning disc.

[A W Warn]

I used 1000 then 1500 wetordry for the corrosion on my window frames. Then used a airflow satin polishing wheel for the final buff. (a wheel with the texture of a scotch brite pad)

[guskmg]

The real problem with steel wool is that small pieces of steel dislodge and imbed the aluminum and will eventually turn it black. Years ago an enterprising Air Force mechanic decided to polish a General's C-47 using a floor buffer and a steel wool pad. The General didn't to like the look of his black C-47.
guskmg