We've been given some aluminium furniture bits and pieces for the boat ( to make
it more 'comfortable' ).
A lot of the paint has peeled off due to corrosion. I told Missus 'you don't have to paint
aluminium' but she insists that it has to look 'original'.
What do I use to clean off the corrosion (not heavy) so it can be repainted.
Is there a product or do I just steel wool it ??.
Maybe don't using normal steel wool, as any tiny bits that stay in the Al will eventually rust. Maybe use paint stripper to get the bulk of the paint off, then abrade it with anything that won't leave bits behind to corrode.
To remove all the paint use paint stripper and scrape with a wooden or plastic scraper. To clean off all the corrosion I use a product called Metal Gleam. It leaves aluminium dead clean and etched ready for paint. If you are going to paint, do it immediately the aluminium dries after rinsing off the acid.
If the corrosion is not heavy just give it a quick wire brush preferably S/steel brush to take off any large chunks of corrosion then spray or brush it generously with Penetrol to seal the aluminum grains and any corrosion left. Next day use some oil based epoxy enamel like Killrust to overcoat it and your furniture should be better then new. 
Select to expand quoteRamona said..
To remove all the paint use paint stripper and scrape with a wooden or plastic scraper. To clean off all the corrosion I use a product called Metal Gleam. It leaves aluminium dead clean and etched ready for paint. If you are going to paint, do it immediately the aluminium dries after rinsing off the acid.
The Metal Gleam probably has hydroflouric acid in it which concentrated is scary stuff. Fairly benign if well diluted. Another similar product is Ally Bright.
Select to expand quotecisco said..
The Metal Gleam probably has hydroflouric acid in it which concentrated is scary stuff. Fairly benign if well diluted. Another similar product is Ally Bright.
I would be interested to hear your definition of "well diluted".
About 1:5 is quite safe. Not a worry on bare skin but I would avoid getting it in your eyes. It contains a mixture of acids. It's used extensively in the fishing industry to clean fibreglass fish rooms, bait tanks etc and boat topsides. Really good at cleaning stains off fibreglass hulls. It actually does make SS gleam!
Thanks guys.
Missus went with a razor blade (scraper). Sandpaper and a coat of Killrust.
Came up OK but she was amazed at just how quickly aluminium oxidises. I told her
the forum said to get a coat of paint on asap. She did.
