Protecting anodized aluminum

[David Greenburg]

What, if anything, are people doing to  preserve anodized aluminum trim (specifically grilles)? I'm talking about preserving what you've got, as opposed to "restoring" it, which I know opens a can of worms with respect to damaging the original coating.

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Anodized aluminum shouldn't need any special protection other than keeping it polished with wax or a quality metal polish. Also a good idea to not allow water to dry on the grille.

[tcom2027]

Good morning,

I use a DYI ceramic protectorant on our modern  DeVille and Eldo and always have a little left over, so I apply the remainder to the chrome on our old cars. Works well. Bugs don't stick as tightly as without it,same for bird droppings, and water spots wipe off pretty easily.


tony

[David Greenburg]

Thanks. Both of your thoughts square with mine. I like the idea of wax, or perhaps some non-abrasive product like Klasse All-in One, which I like to use on chrome and stainless. A ceramic is interesting, although I have yet to go the ceramic route even on my modern cars. But it's probably time to learn. I recently got some free samples of a couple of ceramic products that were included with an order of detailing supplies.

[tcom2027]

Good morning David,

It's worth looking into ceramics. I had good luck with it for years. It requires a fair amount of work to apply correctly, but if done correctly the results are very good. You will get to know the finish on your car very well by the time you are finished applying the ceramic.

 THere are a ton of YouTube. "Adams'is the Greatest,"NO. NO. NO, it's "The Chemical Guys" "You're all WRONG!!, it's CeraKote", yada, yada, yada, videos that will cause sensory overload but do show the proper technique for application.

I use Avalon King. Middle of the price range. THey offer a quick detailer bottle. I bought a bottle to try and was impressed. We have black appliances, refrigerator,dishwasher and microwave. I applied the coating to the refrigerator first and then the dishwasher and was impressed by the result. Sweetie loved the look. It's very easy to wipe off my greasy paw prints. I sprayed it on our DeVille and it brought out the shine in spite of only washing the car beforehand. It didn't last long but it's a quick detailer.

I applied it to our daily drivers and am happy. We have redwoods and pines near the house and get a lot of yellow pollen deposited on the cars, which comes off a lot easier than with sealant alone. I used to use a good quality polish, glaze and  sealer, 3M and kater on Zaino. The ceramic seems to last longer and look better.


tony

 

[Jon S]

As stated above, wax it and it will stay fine. Mine is original 67 years old

[Lexi]

Jon that looks beautiful! Clay/Lexi