Association Forum - Window Frames- How to Polish?

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Window Frames- How to Polish?

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KYD516
Deckhand

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USA
24 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/30/2006 : 07:00:27

Hi, the aluminum frames around my windows look awful. I had some Deks Ole stain/etch some areas, but overall, even in the unstained areas...they make the boat look old. I've tried Flintz with bronze wool, Flintz with 3M pad, and I tried 3M heavy duty rubbing compound. Nothing I've tried makes them look much better. How about you? Any suggestions for making the exterior frames look nice?
Thanks

Should I try buffing with a dremel and polishing pad?

Aquila, rhymes w/ Tequila

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 06/30/2006 : 07:09:46

Hi KYD, you should try MAAS. I use it to polish motorcycle parts. I works great on aluminum. Cheers.

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lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Response Posted - 06/30/2006 : 09:02:53

Try calling an Airstream RV dealer. Airstreams are made of an aluminum skin over an aluminum frame, and you often see Airstreams polished almost to a mirror shine, so someone out there must have found a method, and polishing product, to do what you want. NOTE: the problem with your window frames might be due to salt water corrosion. It is actually bad to polish an aluminum part like your window frames because the polishing destroys the original factory anodizing. Anodize is a coating put on aluminum to protect it from corrosion, like zinc galvanizing for steel. Aluminum parts on a boat kept in a salt water marina need to be painted or re-anodized if the the original anodizing has been damaged, or the salt will slowly pit and corrode the metal. There may be some new alloys that are inherantly corrosion resistant, but I doubt that Catalina OEM window frames are.

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 06/30/2006 : 11:22:07

I painted mine black. Make sure to get all the caulk off. Where the aluminum was clean, the paint adhered and I think looks great. Where there was old caulk, the paint did not adhere and looks awful.

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 06/30/2006 : 18:12:25

The window frames (if typical Catalina stuff) are anodized (a form of electroplating)... and won't polish out very well. Best bet if you're wanting a really nice appearance is to have them stripped and re-anodized.

Painting anodized aluminum can be done if you use the right cleaning solvent and primer. If you don't prepare anodized aluminum properly, the paint will flake off and create a real mess. (don't ask how I know this).

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ajada
Deckhand

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USA
19 Posts

Response Posted - 07/03/2006 : 16:37:01

There is a product called Never-Dull, originally developed to shine up aluminum skinned airplanes in the fifties. Great stuff---non abrasive. Deters oxidation on motorcycle cases wonderfully!!!Available at most hardware stores. I don't know how it'll work on anodized AL.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.