Can you use Hydrochloric acid to clean a aluminum boat?

Question

14 ft aluminum fishing boat, i just want to get rid of the erode look i want it looking new any ideas would be much appreciated

Answer 1

yer scarin me dude!! just use some aluminum wheel cleaner it's way cheaper than a new boat!

Answer 2

Just go to a Caravan dealer and get some cleaner and polish.Most caravans nowadays have aluminium bodies

Answer 3

Check out this post on Meguiars.com and another on eboating.com. Stay away from the acid, it's like using a hammer to push in a thumb tack!

Answer 4

no you cannot not, it will ruin it, i would not even use muratic acid which is much weaker, i use that on fiberglass though, they sell a ton of stuff for alum, you can even get a etching solution, to prep it for paint, but it will dull the alum so do not use it if you are not going to prime and paint it. I know stirling makes stuff i believe west marine has cheaper stuff too.

Answer 5

Don’t hurt the aluminum.  Use nothing stronger than beach. It’s just a canoe.

Answer 6

I wouldn't if I were you! Acid can dissolve aluminum in a short while!

Answer 7

if it's badly corroded your best solution is to sand it smooth, apply a good metal primer and a finish coat. be sure to use marine grade paint.

Answer 8

Go to your local heat and air supplier and ask for Coil cleaner. It's called Alumaclean or something like that. Mix it as directed in a plastic pump sprayer and spray from bottom up. Rinse with plenty of water. The aluminum will have a white color to it for a while but will return back to the reg look.

Answer 9

Acid of any kind will eat Or etch aluminum>