Mechanical Polish/Wax for Aluminium Van
Submitted: Saturday, Jun 24, 2023 at 14:18
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Beatle Bayly
Hi team,
Interested to hear everyone's (
well, maybe not everyone's...) experience/tricks for polishing/waxing an aluminium-sided caravan.
Two different types of alloy sheeting. The front and roof is a stippled rough surface and the sides are smooth, longitudinal ribbed aluminium (white).
Surfaces are in good condition. Roof has some oxidation and the sides are still pretty shiny. I want to bring it back then maintain with routine waxing.
I'm not after an aggressive cut. I think a mild 'cleaner wax' will be more than sufficient. Something like: Meguiar's Wet Look Liquid Cleaner Wax.
Can these vans be mechanically polished without risk of cutting through on the high spots??
I have a dual-action polisher (which I know how to use) and a range of foam pads. I thought the softest black pad on low speed might be OK without risk of polishing through the very thin coatings? Though I'd probably need to finish by hand along under the ribbing.
Cheers,
Reply By: Kazza055 - Saturday, Jun 24, 2023 at 15:26
Saturday, Jun 24, 2023 at 15:26
I have successfully used these from Supercheap -
ToolPRO Polishing Ball 150mm at $12.99.
I use one in a battery drill and have polished the aluminium bull bar and the checker plate on the van using Purple Polish
AnswerID:
643944
Reply By: Member - Gordon B5 - Saturday, Jun 24, 2023 at 20:50
Saturday, Jun 24, 2023 at 20:50
Haven't used it but have been told Salty Captain is good. I will give it a try when I get my old van back together.Have used California Custom Aluminium deoxidiser followed with their purple polishing it works with out a lot of work but to do a whole van will work out expensive. Son is a diesel Mechanic and told me that is what the truckies all use to polish their trucks. Good luck
AnswerID:
643949
Reply By: Member - McLaren3030 - Sunday, Jun 25, 2023 at 06:59
Sunday, Jun 25, 2023 at 06:59
Hi Beatle,
Not sure that using a wax will make a lot of difference. There is a different coating on an aluminium van as opposed to the “clear coat” finish on the smooth surface of a car. Not sure if the skin on an aluminium van is painted or powder coated.
Certainly “Purple Polish” is good for most metal surfaces. Have you consulted your owners manual for a guide to cleaning the van? It may not have anything in it about cleaning, you could also ask advice of the manufacturer.
Macca.
AnswerID:
643951
Reply By: Beatle Bayly - Sunday, Jun 25, 2023 at 10:22
Sunday, Jun 25, 2023 at 10:22
Sorry, to clarify; I'm waxing/polishing the coloured siding on the van. It's not bare aluminium.
Maybe even a ceramic automotive product would be best, given the surface is still in relatively good nick.
I guess I'll experiment on the roof and report back with results.
AnswerID:
643955
Reply By: AlbyNSW - Sunday, Jun 25, 2023 at 10:38
Sunday, Jun 25, 2023 at 10:38
Sounds like a lot of hard work to me. There are numerous ceramic and graphene DIY coatings that are far easier to apply and reaply top up coats every 6 months
These will be much better when you dont have a smooth surface like a vehicle has.
There are lots of brands to choose from , the Meguires Ceramic wax is the easiest as you just spray on and hose off.
Turtle has a very good one in their premium range too. Look on utube and there are lots to choose from or go to the Bowdens website for an aussie made option
Bowdens
AnswerID:
643956