Re: [a/s] Polishing Trailers

[Bob Kiger <myairstream@xxxxxxxx>]

There are several different grades of aluminum involved over the 
years.  With vintage coaches having thicker aluminum the effects of 
oxidation, which is what you get when bare aluminum is exposed to air, are 
a gradual dulling of the surface.  As it gets duller over years the job of 
removing the oxidation gets more difficult because the oxidized layer is 
thicker.  If you are talking only a few month before a good polishing there 
really isn't that much noticeable oxidation.

This statement is based on three months parked near the beach without a 
polish on a stripped and cleaned surface.

When you get ready to polish, my experience is that you gotta have a 
variable speed 7" polisher.  Cheaper models like the old Wen's won't hold 
up.  You need several polishing pads with wool being highly rated.  You 
need to clean those pads frequently so you are basically always working 
with a clean pad.  Once the pad gets dirty your just mushing blackened 
oxide around.  Yuch!

I hope that gives some help.

Bob
http://MrMinimal.com