Polishing aluminum tubing, tips

[panga]

I am planning on getting a few more projects done on the boat, then am going to do some serious waxing and polishing.I have never really done much of this kind of work, but have read a bunch on how to polish buff and wax the hull, but I havent found much on polishing the aluminum tubing. My 2520 has a tuna tower made out of 1.5" aluminum tubing, which could use some polishing.

-What products are best for this? something to cut the oxidation, and polish the tubing. I assume I would use one 'cutting' type product, then follow up with a wax or sealer?

-What can I use to polish, some sort of buffing wheel for the grinder? The parker has a bunch of aluminum tubing, and Im sure by hand would be ideal, but with out a power buffer this just aint gonna get done.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Bryan 2530]

How bad is it?

If its not pitted, I would not polish it because you'll take off the anodized coating and it will look worse when the polish weathers, and you will create a bunch of work for yourself trying to maintain it.

Try fluid film, that is what I use on my riggers and launcher, works great and is super easy to apply.

 

[mrfunandson]

If its not pitted too bad I have used this for over 10 years now, havn't found anything better, once in the sping and if you see anything starting to build up on the rails another time duiring the season, Rupp aluma guard

http://www.ruppmarine.com/Accessories-A ... ay-64.html

 

[panga]

Cool, thanks for the tips, I will be careful about the anodizing, and give one of those products a shot.