How to Polish an Aluminum Trailer
1 Answer
How to Polish an Aluminum Trailer
An old aluminum trailer is a wonderful companion when you travel and explore new places and terrains because of its efficiency and durability. Eventually, though, it will look old due to different weather conditions and oxidation. To avoid this, you need to polish and clean your aluminum trailer, so it will look nice and shiny all the time.
What You’ll Need:
600 grit wet sanding paper
7″ Grinder with wool bonnet pads
Orbital polishing machine
Polishing compound.
Soap
Water
Masking tape
Paint stripper
Procedure:
Using soap and water, clean the exterior of the aluminum trailer. Make sure you get rid of all the debris and dirt. Leaving any impurities on the aluminum’s surface will only put scratches in it, instead of polishing it properly.
If there are lights, plastic pieces or painted fixtures on the trailer’s exterior, remove them before you start polishing. If they are permanently attached, just mask them off, to avoid damaging them.
For an aluminum trailer with an old clear coat finish, use a paint stripper to remove them. Stick to the instructions given by the manufacturer on the paint stripper’s can.
Remove residual chemicals by washing the trailer again with soap and water.
If heavy oxidation is present, remove it using a 600 grit wet sandpaper. Pay careful attention to the rough areas, then rinse with soapy water as you go along.
You need to compound the trailer. Use a wool bonnet on a 7″ angle grinder. As much as possible, use a relatively coarse grit polishing compound when you do this. Begin at the trailer’s top, then work your way down. Your trailer will have a good shine but swirl marks; don’t worry, you’ll remove those marks later.
Using a less coarse polish grade, medium polish the trailer. Use a new wool bonnet on your angle grinder.
When you’re done, fine polish the trailer with a random orbital polising machine (dual-head) that’s been wrapped in a sweatshirt material. Use a fine polish grade. The swirls will be removed, and you’ll have a mirror-like finish.
Some Tips:
Wear tinted safety goggles to prevent any chemical or dirt from going into your eyes.
As much as possible, polish your aluminum trailer in the shade during cool weather.
Use different polishing materials and find out which one suits your trailer best. Be careful when using chemicals, and make sure you follow the given safety warnings.
Polishing your aluminum trailer will ensure that it stays useful and neat-looking all the time. Your vehicle’s shine will definitely impress everyone who sees it.
An old aluminum trailer is a wonderful companion when you travel and explore new places and terrains because of its efficiency and durability. Eventually, though, it will look old due to different weather conditions and oxidation. To avoid this, you need to polish and clean your aluminum trailer, so it will look nice and shiny all the time.
What You’ll Need:
600 grit wet sanding paper
7″ Grinder with wool bonnet pads
Orbital polishing machine
Polishing compound.
Soap
Water
Masking tape
Paint stripper
Procedure:
Using soap and water, clean the exterior of the aluminum trailer. Make sure you get rid of all the debris and dirt. Leaving any impurities on the aluminum’s surface will only put scratches in it, instead of polishing it properly.
If there are lights, plastic pieces or painted fixtures on the trailer’s exterior, remove them before you start polishing. If they are permanently attached, just mask them off, to avoid damaging them.
For an aluminum trailer with an old clear coat finish, use a paint stripper to remove them. Stick to the instructions given by the manufacturer on the paint stripper’s can.
Remove residual chemicals by washing the trailer again with soap and water.
If heavy oxidation is present, remove it using a 600 grit wet sandpaper. Pay careful attention to the rough areas, then rinse with soapy water as you go along.
You need to compound the trailer. Use a wool bonnet on a 7″ angle grinder. As much as possible, use a relatively coarse grit polishing compound when you do this. Begin at the trailer’s top, then work your way down. Your trailer will have a good shine but swirl marks; don’t worry, you’ll remove those marks later.
Using a less coarse polish grade, medium polish the trailer. Use a new wool bonnet on your angle grinder.
When you’re done, fine polish the trailer with a random orbital polising machine (dual-head) that’s been wrapped in a sweatshirt material. Use a fine polish grade. The swirls will be removed, and you’ll have a mirror-like finish.
Some Tips:
Wear tinted safety goggles to prevent any chemical or dirt from going into your eyes.
As much as possible, polish your aluminum trailer in the shade during cool weather.
Use different polishing materials and find out which one suits your trailer best. Be careful when using chemicals, and make sure you follow the given safety warnings.
Polishing your aluminum trailer will ensure that it stays useful and neat-looking all the time. Your vehicle’s shine will definitely impress everyone who sees it.