Discoloration under clear coat...

[daved20319]

Can someone tell me what this is?



I originally thought this discoloration was in the clear coat, but it's still there after I stripped it, in several areas. Is this the "sunburn" that people talk about? And if so, will it come out with polishing, or do I need to address it somehow before I polish? If it matters, my AS is a '74, so from what I've been able to find out, it's bare 6061 aluminum, no alclad. Thanks in advance.

Dave

[Jim & Susan]

Are you talking about the "black stuff"? Or the dull looking area below the black stuff?

Jim

[daved20319]

I KNEW I should have clarified that . I'm talking about the blotch between the corner of the window frame and the "black stuff", that's the leftovers from a poor attempt at sealing the awning rail by a PO, it comes off easily enough with mineral spirits and elbow grease. Thanks.

Dave

[ROBERT CROSS]

...... Try MMM


Be advised though...the spot without clear coat will never match the areas with. :


Bob

[daved20319]

Sounds like I need to clarify again. I'm stripping the ENTIRE trailer in preparation for polishing it, most of the stripping is already done. I have similar discoloration in the aluminum in several areas, including most of the top. I could answer my own question by just hitting one of them with the polisher, but didn't want to risk getting the cart before the horse, if there's something I need to do first. Appreciate your suggestions, though. Later.

Dave

[JCWDCW]

If you are polishing to a bright shine it may (probably will) come out. The guys who have done that are the best ones to answer it. If you are just buffing, it may or may not clear up. Why not do a trial on the roof where it can't be seen?

My '89 was buffed on the domes where there was severe discoloration, and the final result although different looking than the good aluminum, was close enough to fool anyone who did not know about buffing.
JCW

[ROBERT CROSS]

Looks like the clear has come off and the panel has oxidized. It should polish out if enough of the Alclad is left. Careful polishing is in order.

Bob

[Tulip]

I have no idea if this would work but I'll throw it out there for thought. Many years ago my mother taught me how to brighten aluminum pans that were discolored. We would put boiling water in the pan with Cream of Tartar (spice aisle) and it worked great. Now you can't put your trailer in boiling water but maybe a paste of Cream of Tartar and water and some elbow grease might help? Worth a shot.