- The film that develops on aluminum is the result of oxidation. Where steel will rust, aluminum will develop a gray film that makes it look dull, dirty and washed out. This creates an unattractive, run-down look, and it can be a problem, especially if you're looking to sell your aluminum trailer.
- An acid wash can completely clean off the film from oxidized aluminum. The film, much like rust, is the outer layer of the aluminum. When an acid is applied to the oxidation, it eats away at the oxidation layer, breaking it up and weakening it so that when you wash the layer off with water, the oxidation just falls away from the clean, shiny aluminum beneath the gray film that was broken up.
- While it is possible to apply acid to your aluminum trailer at home, there are advantages to taking your oxidized aluminum to a professional cleaner. The amount of acid that will be required -- coupled with the safety equipment to apply and work with the material and the proper collection methods for cleaning it up after use -- can be expensive for home use. Automotive detailers, marinas and even specialty restoration shops are all options as professional cleaners.
- Once it's been washed clean and acidized, an aluminum surface will be shiny and new, for a little while. However, aluminum oxidizes fairly quickly, and if you have a trailer, you'll be exposing your aluminum to the elements on a regular basis. So once the acid's been washed clean, apply some sort of protective covering or process, such as anodizing the aluminum, to ward off future oxidation.
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