Finishing aluminum

admin

I made some mounts for fence rails out of aluminum.  It is aluminum from an old marine fuel tank.  (5052) I think.  Anyway, is there anything I can put on the aluminum as a finish that will keep it shiny and from weathering or just make it last longer in general?  I plan on at least going over it good with a stainless brush.  thanks, Nick.
Reply:Going over it with a stainless steel brush is what we do right before welding. That removes the aluminum-oxide layer just long enough to make a weld. The aluminum oxide forms again within 1/2 an hour or so. But, with a layer of naturally forming aluminum-oxide, it will last and last many years, that oxide is very tough. Polishing is another story altogether and maybe another member can give you an idea about that.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:Well yeah.  I've brushed some of it before welding, but the rest is looking pretty crappy seeing as it was in the bilge of a boat for 23 years.  Just looking to prolong its resistance to oxidation for as long as possible.  don't want to powder coat it though.
Reply:Originally Posted by Nick KentI made some mounts for fence rails out of aluminum.  It is aluminum from an old marine fuel tank.  (5052) I think.  Anyway, is there anything I can put on the aluminum as a finish that will keep it shiny and from weathering or just make it last longer in general?  I plan on at least going over it good with a stainless brush.  thanks, Nick.
Reply:I snooped around a bit and turned up Stu. I have no connection with him, but he can demo some aluminum polishing for you.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny