The Armour Archive

OK I can keep aluminum armour polished and stored to stay at a bright near mirror finish but this cannot be stored in pillow cases:

http://www.baylinerownersclub.org/forum ... ureid=1506

Obviously my polishing fetish is not limited to armour but since my plane will continue to be stored outside and now in Alaska again, what waxes or wax-type treatments have folks here found that will help protect polished aluminum from corrosion and dulling?

I have tried a few car waxes and fake waxes on polished aluminum in the past and they either dull it immediately or even "frost" it in some cases. I have had no luck so far with aircraft suppliers and mechanics so far. Corrosion-X doesn't seem to dull aluminum but it is an expensive spray on that I doubt will last on an aircraft exterior as long as I hope. Something that discourages icing and reduces air friction would not hurt my feelings at all.

It's my understanding that "dulling" al. is oxidation. So, you want to look for a product that will cover and seal the metal. Not cover and dissolve or evaporate.

Have you tried basic silicone spray?

Karl Helweg wrote:Obviously my polishing fetish is not limited to armour.........

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/cs/waxes.html

Might want to contact them. They should know and can prolly help.

Most aircraft that are polished have an "Alclad" skin. This is a coating that is several thousandths of an inch thick of pure aluminum. It is easy to buff to a mirror finish.

Regular aluminum skins aren't quite as easy, or they wouldn't use the Alclad.

I'll try to ask at work tomorrow ands see if anyone can give me a hint or two...(I make 737's )

I know my airstream trailer (mirror polish aluminum) was coated with some sort of clear lacquer.

however I don't know how well that would work on your application.

some alloys are less prone to oxides then others. I know 5056 holds a shine much better then 6160.
acid rain and costal regions may also increase the oxide layer or haze that forms.

In the wood shop we use TopCote a spray product to reduce friction on the tools but I am not sure how that would effect aluminum or how long it would last on the wing skin.
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=2072

iaenmor wrote:http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/cs/waxes.html

Might want to contact them. They should know and can prolly help.

Someone also suggested : http://www.stewartsystems.aero/product.aspx?id=139

I would feel better if I saw something that specifically said ALUMINUM in the ad. This "EverShield" sounds too good to be true and doesn't mention scratching and touch-ups but might be worth a bottle just for my exhaust.

Still what I am hoping to find is a simple spray-on/rub-on wax type product that specifically protects the polish (for looks and airspeed) on aluminum.... That doesn't seem that much to ask and might also have some armour applications.

By the way, avoid compounds containing silicones. Boeing has even banned hand sanitizers in the plant if they contain it because if you touch the skin you may never get paint to stick properly.

That is why I noted you might want to call Aircraft Spruce. They have an west coast office and their people seem to know what they are talking about. They have been very helpful to me in the past.