detailing a trailer

[FlaresideLariat]

I just got a cargo trailer made of black aluminum, with some metal trim and diamond plate as well.

My question is, what can I do to polish the trailer? Do I use the same techniques as I would polishing my car? Or are trailers more sensitive..

also, what kind of metal are regular cars made out of? (the part you polish with your polishing tool). I'm so bad with metal, I have a hard time distinguishing between the different kinds.

With the diamond plate, I have a wool pad for that. Would I put the polish onto the wool pad (just like I would on a polishing pad) and go at it? or...?

Thanks much

FL

[Mike Phillips]

Hi FlaresideLariat,

Your aluminum panels are either painted, or anodized. If they are painted, then you would treat them just like paint only be careful, my guess is the paint will tend to thinner than thicker as compared to a car. I could be wrong, it depends on the manufacture or if it has been re-sprayed.

If it's anodized, then there isn't really any thing you can do for it that will last.

You can check by testing a small area with a cleaner/wax, a polish or a paint cleaner. Simply apply to a small area, work the product in and the remove it and inspect the results. If you application increases clarity and gloss, then it's paint. If there is little or no effect, then it's likely anodized.

Also look to see if you pull black pigment onto your polishing cloth to check for a clear coat or a single-stage finish.

As far as the diamond plate goes, depending on how bad it is the wool pad can definitely help remove the oxidation and restore shine. I know guys who have done this using a compound formulated for paint followed by a metal polish and had good luck.

Tim aka 2hotford shares how he turned his diamond in the rough into a glistening gemstone here...

How to remove oxidation and restore a high shine finish to aluminum

Mike

[FlaresideLariat]

Wow, that is one shiny boat!! Thanks for the link. The trailer is brand new, made by Timber Wolf Trailers.

Some questions...

When I go to check to see if it's paint or anodized, can I just use a towel versus my PC to work the product in?

If I see black pigment on my towel, does that mean the trailer does NOT have a clear coat? What is a single-stage finish?

The diamond plate is very shiny, like I said it is brand new. Would it do anything if I used a wool pad and no compound paint whatsoever?

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by FlaresideLariat
Wow, that is one shiny boat!! Thanks for the link. The trailer is brand new, made by Timber Wolf Trailers.

Some questions...

When I go to check to see if it's paint or anodized, can I just use a towel versus my PC to work the product in?

Just do this by hand to a small area. Use a piece of white cloth.

If I see black pigment on my towel, does that mean the trailer does NOT have a clear coat?

Yes

What is a single-stage finish?

A paint with pigment, (color), and no clear coat

The diamond plate is very shiny, like I said it is brand new. Would it do anything if I used a wool pad and no compound paint whatsoever?

If the diamond plate is brand new then only use a product like Meguiar's new NXT Metal Polysh. Skip the wool pad and rotary, this is too aggressive for aluminum that is new and shiny. You can try applying the metal polish with your dual action polisher and a foam polishing pad if you like to save some work, or you can apply by hand.

Mike

[JeepZJlover]

I belive mothers has an anodized aluminum polish.