BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Remove Corrosion From Aluminum

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Aluminum patio furniture, window frames and other fixtures are not completely safe from corrosion. If a piece turns a dull gray and has globs of white crystals on it, it's corroded.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Aluminum Paint
Household Rags
Paints
Mineral Spirits
Chromate Primers
Fine Wet And Dry Sandpaper

Step1

Remove the crystals and gray discoloration with fine wet/dry sandpaper dipped in mineral spirits. Don't try to polish the aluminum; simply rub it until it's bright again.

Step2

Wipe down the metal with a clean rag and some mineral spirits to remove grime and debris left from the sandpaper.

Step3

Allow the aluminum to dry.

Step4

Apply a chromate primer and allow it to dry completely.

Step5

Paint the aluminum or leave it with just the primer coating on it.

Tips & Warnings

Avoid lead-based primers, which cause a chemical reaction with aluminum when wet.

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Comments

HandiKandi said

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on 6/27/2007 Had trouble finding "chromate primer" at two different home improvement type stores. Though I did find Rustoleum Clean Metal Primer to be used on bare, painted or lightly rusted metal for twice the rust protection, superior adhesion. Paint cans don't actually have ingredients listed as far as if they have chromate, or if they are lead based......This is what was recommended to me, so I hope it works and protects against corrosion as well as it does rust. Also...didn't know if there were something called "wet and dry" sandpaper, or can I use the fine sandpaper I have with the mineral spirits? I love this website..I couldn't get by a week without coming here for something....Thanks