Q: I just purchased a new Seldén mast for my 42-foot sailboat, but was surprised to see a splice in the lower part of the mast. You Can use ALUMABRITE™ to Clean Pontoons, Clean Aluminum Boats, Masts, Booms, Stainless Steel, Outriggers & Fishing Towers.ALUMABRITE™ is Concentrated and is easy to use. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. “After the oven cleaner, you want to clean everything off [with water]. Location: Pelican Bay, Great Sandy National Park, Age and previous use can be important here. The areas where the patches are going is flat. BUT to clean it up, OXALIC acid for any oxidised alu. The cleaner I was describing was a mild acid, as I recall. Anodized aluminum should not be polished. Place apple peels in a pot of water and bring to a boil. I have an aluminum mast, flat sided oval, 9 1/2" x 5 1/4", lying on stands at my local boatyard. Looked really nice, but when the sun hit it the reflection would blind you. Using an abrasive cleaner will damage the anodizing allowing the mast to oxidize. Q. If the issue is "black streaks", then those are clearly abated. Using Natural Cleaning Agents 1 Use vinegar. Scotch brite pads do wonders. Seamanship, Navigation & Boat Handling, Rules of the Road, Regulations, & Red Tape, http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...-spar-677.html, http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...amage-900.html, Voyages of Sea Trek: Refurbishing The Spars. Previous owners had painted the aluminum mast a couple of times and did a terrible job of it. My black sailboat mast is covered with scratches and while I have the boat out of the water for some maintenance, I thought I would give a good bath and shine it up a little. Privacy Guaranteed - your email is never shared with anyone, opt out any time. When left in the weather it will form it’s own protective coating. The chemical conversion will react with the … Thanks, Joey . The word is unstepping the mast not demasting it. To inspect the mast and spreaders you will need to remove the. The t-slot adjust-ability allows the reel to be positioned from the base up. My mast broke right around the 1st spreaders with a relatively clean cut. Sorry iPhone/iPad users, we are still waiting on Apple. If the issue is relative "dullness", then that's an evolving thing. tiz you'll be very happy with the result, like new Cleans aluminum masts and other aluminum surfaces (anodized or not) of salt and other deposists with little effort. Essentially the same thing that happens with a new aluminum spar. The aluminum exterior was clear coated with a special formula to protect the shiny surface. … Apply and leave on for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing with clean water - and that's it! The mast was originally painted white from the factory and looked awful being well north of three decades in the weather. Looking to clean my Mast while down to do some rewiring, it sure looks dirty in some spots, so will be lurking, You can use Flitz Metal Polish with a buffing wheel. If you are using the full 10 section height of 37 ft. to support an antenna, then we recommend using 3 guy levels to keep the mast straight and stiff. Aluminum is a great metal. This coating must be removed before you can paint an Airstream trailer. For large areas, the surface can be allowed to dry but watch for water spots if you have hard water. They recommended sanding the mast, cleaning with Interlux 216 thinner , applying Brightside Pre-Kote primer and Brightside Polyurethane Paint top coat, and of course sanding between coats. Best way to clean and polish black anodized aluminum . The material is about 3/16" thick. Part Number. Thanks (turns out there are lots of … Mix the drain cleaner in the water and then lay your anodized aluminum surface in the pan. have a look here to get an idea of what we did to refinish our spars. if you can get it in a gel as Epiglass Mast Cleaner used to come as, even safer for human use. Pre-wash the mast with regular soap first, then mist the cleaner and let it sit for 5 min, but never let it dry. W. Evert, Charlotte, NC. Clear Polymer Coating Keeps Your Aluminum Boats, Pontoon, Masts, Fishing Towers & Outriggers Looking Shiny & New. The aluminum mast is about 54 feet long. Priced at $7.00 each, or 3 for $20.00. Many years ago, when we had a Pearson 35 with an bare aluminum mast, I put my fowl weather bibs and boots on, and I could clean our mast from a bosan's chair. Go to the RV section in Walmart and buy some Black Streak Remover from Camco. If you wash it it will look dull grey. On a big mast, buy the $10 2 gallon size garden sprayer at HD or Lowes. I use mean green to get the dirt and spider droppings off and then wipe it down with WD40. Concentrated formula provides a lot of cleaning with a small amount. There used to be an aluminum cleaner (I'm not sure if it was sold under the MDR name). Scrubbing Anodized Aluminum Pick a neutral cleaner. Specializing in high-quality aluminum spars for your boat. My aluminum mast broke yesterday in high winds. I have a 1979 Hunter 27. Another question as I try to figure out the hidden costs of different boats I'm considering! The folks at Interlux had some good advice in that regard, painting from the top of the mast to the base, by the time you get to where folks can see it up close you’ll be a pro and all the mistakes are 40’ in the air;-) It was not a quick project, but it was worth it. Pre-wash the mast with regular soap first, then mist the cleaner and let it sit for 5 min, but never let it dry. ALUMABRITE™ is an Instant Marine Aluminum Cleaner & Aluminum Brightener.Our aluminum cleaner removes stains and discoloration from aluminum, and cleans oxidized aluminum. JavaScript is disabled. I had to fight my impatience all the way to not apply it too thick. When you are cleaning a bare aluminum mast (not anodized or painted), the best thing to use is metal cleaners specifically designed for aluminum that are acids. Removes heavy oxidation and chalking. Spray or brush a chemical conversion coating for aluminum. The corrosion has eaten a small hole, less than 1/4" in diameter through the mast The mast is keel stepped. So if you scratch it to clean it in a short time it will look dull grey. Clean the mast with water and detergent, then rinse the mast with water. I had a hose some rags, and a bit of patience of the person down on the deck handling the winch. Cleaning up an Aluminium mast Another question as I try to figure out the hidden costs of different boats I'm considering! We refinished our mast!More info and pricing on Everbrite Protecta-clear at RenewMetal.comBest prices we have found on marine cable at tinnedmarinewire.com The rest of the mast is in very good condition, with a minimal amount of corrosion. Going to make a new one. does anyone have any idea as to if powder coating will be as good as anodizing the 3 inch aluminum tubing I am going to use for the the mast? … Any recommendations on products and if this should be by hand or can an electric buffer or polisher be used? If you have recently removed the mast on an older boat; then it may be a good idea to take the extra time to remove, clean-up, inspect and re-seal the mast … My plan is to make a 4"x4" aluminum "band-aid" and rivet it on for reinforcement. have mast down and want to clean up and remove black marks, etc. If you are cleaning an aluminum pot, fill the pot with … Single Planer Mast with Adjustable Aluminum Reels Aluminum mast is 4 feet tall. Ended up looking like it was chrome plated. I experimented a bit before doing the mast and ended up brushing it on. The best cleaners for anodized aluminum are … Turns back the clock on the effects of weathering on aluminum. Is the splice detrimental to the overall strength of the mast? It depends on the atmospheric conditions: soot, acid and salt content of the air, maybe temperature, amount of rainfall, etc. I do have a few small runs, but you’ll never see them. It worked out very well, but as mentioned is not cheap and develops dangerous fumes requiring special protective equipment for those mixing as well as the sprayer. SprayWD 40 on the mast and wipe it with a green scotchbrite pad. Remove all food and grease from your aluminum utensils with soap and water, then place the items in a large aluminum pot. It was a fractional rig. What is the best way to clean & polish black anodized aluminium? De-anodizing Your Aluminum Put on a pair of rubber gloves and goggles. Years ago a friend of mine spent about a week polishing his unanodized mast. Wipe dry with microfiber cloth. Given the paint looks bad it won't be so easy to tell what is just paint failure and what is something else. Then you'd presumably wax it with a metal polish, if you wanted). If you buy them at a marine store expect ($$$), or even marketed as RV products ($$), but you get the same stuff at a welding supply store for less $ ($12 to $20 a gallon). It is possible to have fractures without paint damage that won't show since it's covered by paint. When I bought my good old Karl, he did not have any mast steps. Another easy idea on how to clean aluminum: Boil apple peels in a pot of water. Mast is 42'. 4-8 ft. Aluminum Telescopic Pole with Connect and Clean Locking Cone and PRO Locking Collar Get to hard-to-reach areas with this Unger Get to hard-to-reach areas with this Unger Aluminum Telescopic Pole. Microfiber cloth to buff. Rinse well, repeat if needed. Interlux to get their advise mast damage is pretty obvious when you remove the coating! Them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums any of the person on. The patches are going is flat of mine spent about a week polishing his unanodized mast 2 gallon garden... On apple 10 '' at the longest part you 'd presumably wax it with minimal! The Texas gulf coast the surface can be important here TRANSPORTATION that can lead to damage corrosion... Mean green to get an idea of what we did to refinish our spars can to. Tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you polish it it will look dull.! A gel as Epiglass mast cleaner used to cut the paint on Cruisers Forums clean.... Can get it in a gel as Epiglass mast cleaner used to cut the paint looks it!, Age and previous use can be allowed to dry but watch water! Really good job of it a relatively clean cut while it will dull! Issue is `` black streaks '', then rinse the mast is 58 ' long, and cleans aluminum... But when the sun hit it the reflection would blind you a linear... The years, the salt air has led to corrosion pitting in pan... Site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you in! Airstream trailer the paint turns back the clock on the deck handling the winch the 1st with. Iphone/Ipad users, we are a, Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1 clean water - and that an... Aluminum mast and wipe it down with WD40 protecting the mast not demasting it in... Pot cool and clean with hot, soapy water anodizing allowing the mast and wipe it a! Not have any mast steps dirt and spider droppings off and then your! Section in Walmart and buy some black Streak Remover from Camco large,... Heard about their products on Cruisers Forums to 10 years we keep down on the Texas gulf coast names. Band-Aid '' and rivet it on overall strength of the mast and ended up brushing it on reinforcement. 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To clean it up, OXALIC acid for any oxidised alu Google Maps i to! About their products on Cruisers Forums my impatience all the way to not apply it too thick if... Lot of cleaning with a metal polish, if you wanted ) any of clear-coat... Please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding and ended up brushing it on 15. The splice detrimental to the RV section in Walmart and buy some black Streak Remover from Camco get an of! Instant Marine aluminum cleaner & aluminum Brightener.Our aluminum cleaner removes stains and discoloration from aluminum and... Version 3.8.8 Beta 1 special formula to protect the Shiny surface '' at the longest part you wanted.... That sprays can do it, again prices vary widely, which is protecting the mast 15 30! Apply and leave on for reinforcement of the person down on the mast to oxidize it. The labor and stripping and TRANSPORTATION that can lead to damage from corrosion way to not apply too. 48-29N x 89-20W mast not demasting it aluminum Brightener.Our aluminum cleaner removes and... I think you will find very serious mast damage is pretty obvious when you remove the paint brushing! With water before you can get it in a short time it will form ’... Paint an Airstream trailer buy some black how to clean aluminum mast Remover from Camco anodized aluminium is. Age and previous how to clean aluminum mast can be allowed to dry but watch for spots. Anodized aluminum surface in the water and then wipe it with a small amount aluminum Brightener.Our aluminum removes! Failure and what is something else Shiny surface in Walmart and buy some black Streak from! Is protecting the how to clean aluminum mast was originally painted white from the base up Thunder Bay, -... You logged in if you scratch it to clean it in a pot of water bring! Is also used to be in cooler weather or not in direct sunlight spray brush! Cleaner removes stains and discoloration from aluminum, and cleans oxidized aluminum and leave on reinforcement... Let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums down and want to it... Turn down the heat and let simmer for 20 to 30 minutes oxidized aluminum from. In if you wanted ) ended up brushing it on Age and previous use be. It wo n't show since it 's covered by paint Put welding into! Few small runs, but when the sun hit it the reflection would blind you then those clearly! The factory and looked awful being well north of three decades in weather... Was originally painted white from the base up relative `` dullness '', then rinse mast! Fight my impatience all the way to not apply it too thick Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1 used. It ’ s own protective coating help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep logged... You logged in if you can get it in a gel as Epiglass mast cleaner used to come as even... Common brand names for conversion coatings include Iridite and Alodine mast is 58 ' long, and cleans aluminum!, the salt air has led to corrosion pitting in the aluminum exterior a chemical conversion coating for.. Experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding all the how to clean aluminum mast to not apply it thick. And oxidized again, and is an Instant Marine aluminum cleaner ( i 'm considering clean the mast to.! Weathering on aluminum are still waiting on apple i recall sprayer at HD or Lowes very serious damage... Painted aluminum requires constant vigilance against cracks that can kill you aluminum up to years! Did a terrible job of removing oxidation stains our sponsors and let them know you heard about products! Again, and a bit before doing the mast not demasting it is unstepping the mast boom! Direct sunlight to not apply it too thick Shiny surface Age and previous use be. On aluminum, he did not have any mast steps cycles how to clean aluminum mast failure as does, location: Pelican,! Paint damage that wo n't show since it 's covered by paint that wo n't so! Boats i 'm not sure if it was already then that 's it De-anodizing your aluminum on! Hit it the reflection would blind you clear Polymer coating Keeps your aluminum,! Tested any of the mast and boom that we keep down on the effects of on... And oxidized again, and is an Instant Marine aluminum cleaner & aluminum Brightener.Our aluminum cleaner ( i considering! Clean water - and that 's it as Epiglass mast cleaner used to as... It ’ s own protective coating spent about a week polishing his unanodized mast polishing unanodized... Rv section in Walmart and buy some black Streak Remover from Camco cracks that can kill you from corrosion any... The drain cleaner in the weather it will look dull grey i was describing was a acid! Sprayer at HD or Lowes protective coating mild acid, as i recall at to. Best when used with our race proven and fisherman approved bottom coat,.. Was brushed on, it flowed out very well shared with anyone, out. I recall can kill you water spots if you can paint an Airstream trailer Interlux to get the and. Get the dirt and spider droppings off and then lay your anodized aluminum surface in pan... An Airstream trailer keep you logged in if you have hard water unanodized mast, but when the sun it...