What Equipment is Needed to Polish an Aluminum Hull?

[Luke000]

I am working on my '56 Duratech and I want to polish the hull the best I can. I have polished aluminum before on a pedestal buffer I have but I have never polished something so large. I have a Dealt 849 7/9 inch sander/polisher that I want to use. Can anyone guide me on what buffing wheels, compound(s), protestants I will need to order? I am going to start by sanding the hull lightly up to 1500 grit (Higher or lower?) then polishing it and then I want to try and seal it with something. I have heard good things about sharkhide sealant but a I am open to other suggestions.

This is what I have:


And this is the polish I want to have:

courtesy of duratechboats.com

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: What Equipment is Needed to Polish an Aluminum Hull?

This thread (InMotion's Falcon) has some videos, etc. on how he polished his Starcraft hull and the results. http://forums.iboats.com/starcraft-boats/1960s-falcon-rebuild-new-title-541533-13.html Polishing starts around post 300.

She came out looking like the results you're looking for. If you try the search feature more will pop up, this is just one of the latest polish jobs.

 

[Luke000]

Re: What Equipment is Needed to Polish an Aluminum Hull?

This thread (InMotion's Falcon) has some videos, etc. on how he polished his Starcraft hull and the results. http://forums.iboats.com/starcraft-boats/1960s-falcon-rebuild-new-title-541533-13.html Polishing starts around post 300.

She came out looking like the results you're looking for. If you try the search feature more will pop up, this is just one of the latest polish jobs.

Thanks for that! It has most everything I needed.
Is there any opinions on a good protestant? I saw using insulator wax on the polished aluminum, I have also seen good words on Sharkhide.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: What Equipment is Needed to Polish an Aluminum Hull?

There a few products mentioned in the polishing threads. I don't have experience with any of them, but maybe one of the polishing guys will stop in.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: What Equipment is Needed to Polish an Aluminum Hull?

Make sure you take note of the black face comments in IM's falcon thread when doing the polishing. You're working in the basement & the buffer will fling black soot everywhere..............

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: What Equipment is Needed to Polish an Aluminum Hull?

This should be of interest...http://forums.iboats.com/boat-resto...repair/bighoss-16ft-ss-rebuild-475888-11.html
This member used the Sharkhide and it's held up really Well.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: What Equipment is Needed to Polish an Aluminum Hull?

Here's another link to check out...http://forums.iboats.com/boat-restoration-building-hull-repair/shining-aluminum-599830.html