Aluminum Dog trailer cleaning

[DHotRod]

I have a 8/16 dog aluminum trailer and need to clean it .Anybody ever clean a aluminum trailer? I washed it with soap and water but I can't really get that new shine back. I heard you can acid wash it, but I'm afraid it will damage it. What do you guy's use out there?

[Trailerguy]

[font color=green size=3][b]A lot of truckers and farmers use acid washes to restore the ozidation on their alum. stock trailers. I worked for a local trailer manufacturer years ago, they also acid washed to clean up and make the various pieces of alum in a trailer look uniform. The type of acid used has smaller molecules than water,which means if you spill it, it doesn't just wash off, it dilutes. Also if too much acid is used it will "burn" the alum surface and it will never look the same. A lot of large truck stops along intersate highways offer acid wash services. If you decide you want it acid washed I wouldn't try doing it yourself.

[DHotRod]

TrailerGuy, Do you know what % to water to use and what type of acid?
....... Where can I buy the acid . anymore in the states they don't sell that stuff to the average guy. thanks for your reply!

[Trailerguy]

[font color=green size=3][b]Locally it is sold by "Hotsy" dealers, I've forgotton the name of it, they sell a line of power washers and chemicals. The salesman that serves this area is out of Humbolt, Ia. his # is 800-392-8816, I'm sure he can hook you up and get you an MSDS and instructions.

[DHotRod]

Great, I'll give him a call Monday. Thanks

[swede sd]

I think they call the stuff you are trying to remove, patina.------Rule of thumb in my part of the country.--Never trust a man with a shiney dog trailer.

[DHotRod]

Ok Swede...... You Got me :) Thanks for the info.