How to keep aluminum shinny?

[gordonv]

I'm awaiting delivery of my new all aluminum mc trailer, bought off ebay. Since it should be nice and shinny being new, how should I keep it looking that way, or should I even try?



Clear coat (rattle can): how long would it last, and how would it look if/when it starts to peal off?

Wax: hand or power buffer. An annual application to keep it looking nice.

Nothing: let the aluminum oxidize, fade, so it is no longer shinny.

I'm not one to even polish my own bike, so don't really like the idea of doing anything. But if I let the trailer fade, and later decide to have the polished look, it will take some time with a power buffer to polish it back up.

Maybe wax it for now, since it's not permanent, and see how I like it.

I want to add in a small battery and a solar charger, to power an electric cooler. Figure I could also charge either small electrical items (cell, tablet), or even jump start another vehicle. Maybe add in some LED lighting?

How about the addition of a swivel coupler?

[Pete]

Quality clear coat will last a long time if not scratched and waxed once or twice a year.
Even if it oxidizes a power buffer and polish will make it shine fairly quickly.

Battery vapor and aluminum do net mix so vent and seal or use non vented sealed battery

OBTW good looking trailer.

[Jess from VA]

Polishing aluminum can make it easier to get corroded, if you don't stick with it.

I would hate trying to polish that bumpy surface.  Either by hand or with a buffer, you'll get build-up of compound/wax on every bump.

I'd just keep it clean with soap and water, (and maybe a little mild corrosive wheel cleaner or S100 if it needs it once in a while), with stiff bristle brush on a stick.  I like Armorall car wash soap because the wax in it is pretty good... not like a real wax job, but beads water and lasts for a while.  Wipe it dry.

I'd probably polish the nice smooth wheels once in a while.

I hope it can go inside.

If you clean it when it's dirty and put it away,  I don't see why it doesn't stay nice.

[Jack B]

Go to a big rig store they have all kinds of waxes for aluminum.

[98valk]

http://www.topoftheline.com/alexpol.html

http://search.eastwood.com/auto/Wheel%20Clear%20Coat

http://www.alumaclear.com/

http://www.por15.com/top-coat_p_102.html

[gordonv]

Some of those products look nice, some expensive.

I was also wondering about painting the trailer. Or at least some of the panels, like the black flat side panels of some models. To try to match my bike a little.

[Jess from VA]

The brighter it is the more visible it is. 

Depending on the shine, I wonder if it might reflect glaring sun in your mirrors (mainly the 45 degree front panel and leading fenders), often enough to bug you.

The aluminum will show rock dings or scratches less than paint, and easier to fix.

Powder coat is tough (and all colors).

There is a downside possibility of any application coming off/peeling from such a surface (not powder coat).  If there's a specific primer recommended for painting aluminum, that's probably a good idea.

You could always pull it over to an auto bump/paint shop or two to show it and ask questions.  Like you are considering getting them to do it, but really just to pick their brains.

[gordonv]

If I was to paint, I was thinking of the Plastic sprays. Any problem, or don't like the color, just peel it off and re-apply.

I also was thinking that being shinny might bug the mc operator. Not so worried about cages, as on coming ones wouldn't see it. As for the others, most likely they would see the trailer. But the bike isn't chromed out, so why the trailer?

Like I mentioned, most likely wax it till I know what I'm doing. Would be easy enough to clean off the wax and spray paint.

[BnB Tom]

  A lot of 18 wheeler's swear by this company...

                                                  http://www.californiacustom.com/ourproducts.html

[Jersey mike]

diamond plate like your trailer is pretty easy to keep clean and looking good for years.

use regular car wash w/ wax included, wash and dry. if you use it in salty areas or on roads treated w/ salt or other chemicals for de-icing rinse well w/ water and get the under side real well too.

when it's not in use, if you can't keep it inside a garage or shed, just keep it covered with some plywood but not a plastic tarp. just keep the sun from constantly baking it and keep the natural elements bird poop and standing water from laying on it.

nice looking rig by the way, good luck with it and enjoy.

[Bagger John - #3785]

Collinite Metal Wax mixed 50/50 with Mother's Carnauba Wax. You can also mix Collinite Metal Wax and Insulator Wax together.

I use the former on my non-clear-coated Valkyrie wheels. One springtime application usually lasts the entire season unless the bike is extensively ridden in the rain.