How to Polish an Aluminum Trailer

As your trailer exposed to different weather conditions and travel on different kind of roads, it receives debris, dirt or oxidation to its surface. They should be removed to keep your trailer look clean and shining and to keep it going for years. Dust and oxidation reduces the life of the metal. You have to keep your trailer clean and polish it give it a shine and good look.

Items:

• Masking tape
• Polishing compound
• Paint stripper
• 7? Grinder with wool bonnet pads
• Orbital polishing machine
• 600 grit wet sanding paper
• Soap
• Water

Directions:

1. Wash the exterior of the aluminum trailer with water and soap, making it free from all the dirt and debris. Make sure that it’s free from all sort of debris; otherwise you will only put scratches on aluminum surface instead of polish.
2. Before starting polishing your trailer, remove lights, painted features or plastic pieces attached to your trailer’s exterior. If those items are permanently fixed, mask them up with the help of masking tape.
3. If your aluminum trailer has an old clear coat of paint, remove it with the paint stripper. Thoroughly read the instructions on the can of the paint stripper and strictly follow them.
4. Remove the masking tape and other covering materials, and wash the aluminum trailer again to make it free from chemical residuals from paint stripper.
5. Remove any oxidation if present, using 600 grit wet sandpaper from the surface of the aluminum trailer. Pay special attention to rough spots, rinse each area with soapy water.
6. Put a wool bonnet on a 7? angle grinder, and apply layer of polishing compound on your aluminum trailer. It is best to start with coarse polishing compound. Always start from top and working down. Coarse polishing compound will leave some swirl marks on your trailer’s surface.
7. After the first layer of coarse compound, use the medium polishing compound to put the second layer. Put new wool bonnet on an angle grinder for second coat.
8. Take a random orbital polishing machine with dual head to remove the swirls and give more shine and mirror like finish to your aluminum trailer. Use fine polishing compound for the last layer.

Tips:

• Always use safety goggles to prevent any contact with chemical or dust.
• Always polish under the shade or in garage.
• Always use the best polishing compounds for your trailer and strictly follow the instructions given.

This article will help you to polish your aluminum trailer in a convenient way.