Aluminum Oxidation Removal

Evaluate your aluminum oxidation removal problem. There are three levels of aluminum oxidation: light, medium and heavy. Light aluminum oxidation means you have only a few spots of oxidation. The finish appears only slightly dull with no hard or crusty places or pits in the metal. Medium aluminum oxidation means the finish is very dull and there is a white layer of oxidation over most or all of the metal with some pitting. Heavy aluminum oxidation means the finish is so bad that it is "crusty" in some places with pits and working parts may be hard to move.

If you have a light aluminum oxidation removal problem, you can use an acid-free consumer aluminum oxidation removal product. These come in sprays and pastes. They work like any buffing compound. You rub or spray them onto the aluminum and buff with a cloth, following the directions on the container. This method can require a good amount of "elbow grease." A power buffer is not necessary, but it can make the job go faster and easier. If you use a power buffer, be sure to use a new buffing pad of soft cloth.

If you have a medium aluminum oxidation removal problem, you might still be able to succeed with an acid-free consumer aluminum oxidation removal product and simple elbow grease -- but prepare for a lot of work. Use the product at the highest strength recommended on the container. You will certainly want to use a power buffer if one is available to you. If the consumer aluminum oxidation removal product does not work on your medium aluminum oxidation removal problem, you'll need to take things to the next level, in Step 4.

If you have a medium aluminum oxidation removal problem which is not solved by the procedure recommended in step 3, or if you have a heavy aluminum oxidation removal problem, you may need to take stronger measures. Start with a consumer or professional grade aluminum oxidation removal product which contains Phosphoric acid. Carefully read and follow every safety precaution on the container. You may need to pay special attention to the pitted places. Be prepared to see the finish become uneven -- some metal will be lightly eroded away by the acid and extreme buffing. You may even need to use some sandpaper: medium grit, then fine grit, then a buffing compound to renew the shine.