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I'm making a sign that has to go into an old aluminum frame. How can I clean up the frame and is there any protective coating I can put on it. It is an exterior sign. As always thanks for your help!
-------------------- Mike Wilson Aztec Graphixs Buffalo, N.Y. Posts: 10 | From: Buffalo, NY | Registered: Sep 2001
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I would use the method for preppimg aluminum recommended by Matthews Paint Co. which is to scrub with Comet and a Scotchbrite pad. DO NOT USE STEEL WOOL. The Comet will remove the surface oxidation. There are many acid etch formulas out there, but Comet and Scothbrite does the same thing. Rinse well with water and let dry, then paint. Any good polyurethane clear should be OK, as would one of the automotive clears.If I had to pick one, I guess at the top of the list would be Imron clear. All the clear is doing is keepimg the air out, so it doesn't re-oxidize, but you COULD just leave it alone, as it would be all clean and evened out after your cleaning, so the whole thing would then age(oxidize) evenly from that point on.
anyhow, thats my take...see what the others say on the subject.....
-------------------- Jeff Ogden 8727 NE 68 Terr. Gainesville FL, 32609 Posts: 2138 | From: 8827 NE 68 Terr Gainesville Fl 32609 | Registered: Aug 2002
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Hey Mike - if it is raw, unpainted aluminum I would take it to the nearest truck wash, the kind that only washes 18 wheelers - they should have an acid they use on cattle trailers - don't remember the type - been a lotta years since I worked at the Blue Beacon Truck Wash in Amarillo, TX. Washed many a cattle trailer there - oh yea that was fun - It's just sprayed on; left for 20 seconds or so, then hosed down with high pressure hot water. Shines like new money. Shouldn't cost more than a few bucks - if'n it's painted - then sand; clean with rapid-prep - then spray/ paint with your choice - really need more info to be more specific - Carl
-------------------- Carl Wood Olive Branch, Ms Posts: 1392 | From: Olive Branch,MS USA | Registered: Nov 1999
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