Maintaining Anodized Aluminum

[CLM65]

What do you folks use to keep your aluminum looking new?  I have to admit that I did not do a good job of maintaining the aluminum T-top on my 205, and now it has some surface corrosion, especially the upper portion of it.  Now that I have a new tower for the flatback, I want to keep it looking new for as long as possible.  So I'm interested to see what others have had success with...Woody's Wax?  Shark Hide?  Something else?

I applied a product called Opti-Coat on my truck a few years ago.  It is a "permanent" coating that negates the need for waxing, and so far it seems to be working great.  Water still beads up like it was just waxed.  I may try applying it to the tower.  I contacted the manufacturer, and although they have no experience with this type of application, they thought it would probably work fine.  So what do you think?  Has anyone tried Opti-Coat on their aluminum?  Any recommendations?

[gran398]

On anodized aluminum,  was happy with a pump spray product, Rupp Alumaguard. It goes on wet, eats corrosion. After you spray it on, polish/wipe it down...then spray a light coat on for protection. Lasts about a week, then hit it again. If you ever decide to go powdercoat....Woody Wax does a nice job.

The product you mention is interesting. My only thought is it sounds like a coating. If salt penetrates it....corrosion could spread rapidly between the coating and substrate. Same as the discussions we've had regarding treating/coating aluminum tanks.

Regardless....if you treat and maintain new aluminum as you're thinking, from the start...you'll minimize corrosion

[CLM65]

Lasts about a week, then hit it again.

    I'm hoping to find something that lasts longer than a week!

[gran398]

Pretty much depends on how/where you keep it. The last one of mine that had anodized alum was bottom-painted and sat in the salt. It was a chore.

Miss D sits on a lift side-to a hard blowing SW salt-impregnated wind. Pretty much why we went with powdercoat wherever possible.

On a trailer in your yard...no salt 24/7  

[Georgie]

Spent my teens cleaning marlin boats in the evenings in St. Thomas, VI after they returned to the docks.  They used vinegar baths via sponge for regular salt/anti-corrosion treatment, then Collinites Aluminum Wax to polish and protect.  I figure if it was good enough for a million dollar sportfish then it's good enough for me.  However, that was two decades ago so there may be some better options now.

[pete]

http://www.starclean.net

This stuff works great,a little goes a long way.

[GoneFission]

Polishing/buffing will give you the best overall long-term protection, as it seals the metal and prevents corrosion.  Call Skip Banta at Tarheel Parts and he can help with buffing pads and abrasives - Skip is a great guy and really knows his stuff.  Aluminum is easy to buff and looks great when done.  Tell Skip I told ya to call and he might just give you a discount    (or maybe charge you more if he remembers some things   )  Phone number is 800-322-1957.