How to Clean Stainless Steel, Aluminum & Brass Boat Hardware & Frames
Anodized Aluminum Boat top frame tubing, radar arches and t-tops are often made out of anodized aluminum. It's a fairly stable, corrosion resistant and durable material yet as it ages some corrosion, pitting and white filming will occur. The best way to prevent this is to keep your aluminum clean and polished. If you have an old frame you will probably notice that the most severe corrosion is in the areas where snaps have been installed and where metal fittings meet. This may be due to a reaction caused when two different types of metal touch-galvanic corrosion. While this situation may be unavoidable-snaps are brass or stainless steel-using aluminum-pop rivets, hardware or neutral-nylon plastic fittings will increase the life-span of an anodized aluminum frame.
How To Clean Aluminum Boat Fixtures -Mix a solution of dish soap and water. -For general cleaning, wash the tubing using a cloth or sponge. -Pitting and white residue may be scrubbed off using 3M Scotchbrite pads-do not use steel wool-the fine scratches will be imbedded with tiny particles of steel wool which will rust and cause further corrosion. -Rinse thoroughly-detergent, soap or cleanser residue may slowly deteriorate the anodized coating causing discoloration and corrosion over time. -Thoroughly dry. -Application of a metal cleaner and/or polish is recommended-polish will provide additional surface protection. -Silver polish works well on aluminum.
Do Not: -Don't use steel wool on aluminum, stainless or brass. -Do not use ammonia based-window-cleaner. Do: -Use rubbing alcohol to clean bad stains. -Apply a metal polish or wax after cleaning to prevent corrosion.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Boat Hardware & Fixtures
Stainless Steel, being one of the most durable corrosion resistant metals available, is perfectly suited for fixtures and hardware in the harsh marine environment. This super material even has it's own natural anti-corrosive coating-an adherent oxide passive film due to a reaction with surface oxygen. Despite this, Stainless is not impervious to corrosion. Keeping stainless steel clean of contaminates and avoiding contact with other kinds of metal is the best way to preserve it's beauty, functionality and promote it's natural corrosion defense.
How To Clean Stainless Steel -Mix a solution of mild soap and water. -For general cleaning, wash the tubing using a cloth or sponge-do not use steel wool. -Rinse thoroughly-detergent, soap or cleanser residue may interfere with stainless steel's adherent oxide passive film. -Thoroughly dry. -Application of a metal cleaner and/or polish is recommended-polish will provide additional surface protection.
Do Not: -Don't use steel wool or sandpaper to scrub stainless steel. -Do not use bleach. -Contact with different kinds of metal may cause corrosion.
Do: -Clean frequently with mild soap and water. -Glass cleaner is acceptable for stainless steel. -Application of a polish is recommended.
Until the invention of stainless steel, brass was the dominant type of metal used for marine fittings, tools and hardware. From cannons to compasses, cleats to snaps, the strength, corrosion resistance and beauty of brass have made it the mainstay material for waterborne applications throughout maritime history. While most people are familiar with the shiny yellow brass fixtures in their home, most of which are brass plated steel, don't let this commonality diminish the quality, history and beauty of real brass. And while some people may want their brass polished to such a "brand new" sheen, many appreciate the classical charm of antique brass patina-the greenish or blackened oxide tarnish on it's surface. In the realm of brass antique appraisal, cleaning off this patina and restoring the sheen will drastically reduce the value of the antique. It's very important to consider the style of brass you want on your vessel before deciding which method and cleanser should be used.
How To Clean Tarnish Off Brass Hardware To Restore A High Sheen Depending on how much tarnish needs to be removed this may be a big job. -Determine if the fixture is indeed brass using a magnet-will not stick to brass. -Determine if there is a lacquer coating-thin surface sealant. Often a brass piece's coating is breached over time and will tarnish in these areas eventually working it's way under the lacquer coating. If you've been unable to remove tarnish despite using polish you will have to remove the coating to get to the tarnish. -To remove the Lacquer coating the fixture may be cleaned on site with lacquer thinner, acetone or lacquer stripper. -Mask and protect the area around the fixture. -Apply acetone with a rag and scrub with an old toothbrush. If this doesn't remove the lacquer then you will need to use a more powerful commercial product such as Behr's stripper per the instructions. Natural Way to Remove Lacquer Coating From Brass-If the fixture can be removed from the boat and is small enough you may use the boiling pot method to remove the lacquer. -Bring a pot of water measured in quarts to a boil. -Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda per quart of water. -Submerge brass fixture in water and simmer for 15 minutes. -Remove with tongs-Peel lacquer off the brass. -Repeat if necessary. Heating/cooling-expanding/contracting helps loosen the lacquer. -Apply a commercial brass cleaner per instructions or make your own brass cleaner. How to Make a Natural brass cleaner -Mix lemon juice and baking soda stirring to a paste consistency. -Apply to the brass using a soft cloth and a tooth brush for nooks and crevices. -Scrub until tarnish is removed. -Rinse with water. -Dry with soft absorbent towel as clean, unpolished brass is very susceptible to water spots. Apply a Protective Coating to Brass-At this point, your brass is naked-like untreated wood. Polished, uncoated brass is highly reactive to atmospheric oxidation and must be sealed with a protective coating to preserve it's polished luster. For exterior marine applications lacquer may be the best choice. Waxing or oil may also be used. -Apply a commercial spray lacquer per instructions. Be sure to clean with acetone prior to applying lacquer and handle brass with gloves-finger prints will tarnish.
How To Clean Brass Without Removing The Patina -Mix a solution of mild non-detergent soap and clean fresh water. -Apply with a soft cloth. -Scrub with soft toothbrush where needed. -Rinse thoroughly with clean water. -Dry with a soft absorbent cloth. Tips: -Brass patina may be protected with a wax or oil coating. -Patina may be added to brass with liver of sulfur. -Do not use any detergents, cleansers or brass polish on patina brass. They contain chemicals that will effect, remove or cause additional corrosion to the patina.