Should I acid wash aluminum trailer?

Should I acid wash aluminum trailer?

But if you like that shiny-new look or you want the trailer to look its best for resale, you’ll need to give it an acid bath. You can do this job with citrus cleaners or hydrofluoric acid; however, hydrofluoric acid can cause burns and damage painted aluminum.

What does acid wash do to aluminum?

That’s because acid wash will wear down the top layers of the aluminum, weakening the metal and even changing its chemical makeup. Ultimately, this puts large, ugly streaks on the exterior of the trailer.

How do you clean and polish aluminum trailers?

Cleaning Tips

1. Sweep Away Debris. The most common cleaning step is using a good old-fashioned broom.
2. Wash Your Trailer. When a broom just isn’t enough to combat dirt and grime, switch to a hose.
3. Acidic Bath. Take on aluminum oxidation and intense grime with an acidic bath.
4. Wax Your Trailer.

How do you get oxidation off aluminum trailer?

Fill a bucket with clean water and wet the surface of the trailer. Begin removing any heavy oxidation with an aluminum rubbing compound on a clean rag. Work in small areas and continuously rinse the aluminum with clean water so the oxidation residue won’t dry and re-stain the aluminum.

Will muriatic acid react with aluminum?

Aluminium metal will react with dilute hydrochloric acid to produce aqueous aluminium chloride, AlCl3 , and hydrogen gas, H2 . Keep in mind that this reaction will not take place as soon as you add the piece of aluminium to the hydrochloric acid solution.

What acid will clean aluminum?

Muriatic acid cleans and etches aluminum. Muriatic acid, or hydrochloric acid as it’s also known, is an extremely harsh acid that’s sometimes used in the industrial world. Homeowners sometimes use it to clean and etch aluminum surfaces.

Can you put muriatic acid on aluminum?

Muriatic acid, otherwise known as hydrochloric acid, is a common choice for an acid wash. It is reasonably safe for the aluminum and fairly easy to come by. Keep in mind that this acid is very dangerous and should be kept away from pets and children.

What kind of cleaner is used to clean aluminum trailers?

You may already know about a common trailer cleaner known as “acid wash.” While acid wash initially leaves trailers looking shiny and new, this harsh solution gradually causes serious damage by etching into the aluminum year over year.

Why is acid wash bad for aluminum trailers?

While acid wash initially leaves trailers looking shiny and new, this harsh solution gradually causes serious damage by etching into the aluminum year over year. It’s something we see all the time here at Blue Ridge Trailers, so we wanted to share some insights to help people avoid these bad cleaning methods and keep their trailers in good shape.

What’s the best way to clean a horse trailer?

Think of an exfoliation on your skin. If not kept up the acid wash will oxidize the trailer horribly and turn it yellow. Usually after an acid wash it is buffed and a mirror shine is put on it. Absolutely beautiful but it requires a HUGE a mount of maintenance and money.

What happens when you use acid wash on aluminum?

But if you’re using acid wash for cleaning, you’re pouring the trailer’s resale value right down the drain. That’s because acid wash will wear down the top layers of the aluminum, weakening the metal and even changing its chemical makeup. Ultimately, this puts large, ugly streaks on the exterior of the trailer.