Shining Up Aluminum Boat Exterior

Just bought an older Alumacraft 16′ that is unpainted and only has a 2′ black Alumacfaft decal on each side. The interior is fully carpeted. Thought about painting the outside and updating the decals, but shining up the aluminum might be just as sharp and a lot cheaper. Any ideas on how to get a consistent shiny finish on aluminum? Not sure if starting with rubbing compound is a good idea or not…….

Thanks
Pete

I think shining up the aluminum would look better. Not sure on the proper way but i’m sure somebody will help ya

I just did a quick search and found this. Aluminum is a soft metal and is quite easy to polish but polishing is not the end of it you want to put something on it once polished to protect the shine.

There are several products out there the link I provided is just something I found with an initial search.

I have heard great things about either of these products:
Sharkhide, http://www.sharkhide.com/
JJV’sBest, http://www.jjvsbest.com/

try this with some metal polish..

http://www.cabelas.com/fryprod-0/product–Mothersreg-Marine-PowerBall174-Polishers–701256.uts.shtml

I’ve been using a paste called ( met-all ) for years to remove the fading and stains off my aluminum boats. It’s just like waxing a car and works very well.

Look at tinboats forum. They have lots of people doing the same project. They often paint the boats with steeltex.

Congrats on your new project. I’ve done the same thing before and I would offer you one bit. Remember you spend your time inside the boat! That’s what it’s for.

A lot of truckers use Gord’s cleaner and aluminum polish on the tanks and wheels of their rigs. Get some of that, a good buffing wheel, some steel wool, and a few hours and you’ll be able to see yourself in the aluminum.