How to Refurbish Aluminum Rub Rail

[Wasabi]

Hello All,

I've got a 32 Blackfin which I deerly love. I've pretty much gotten it the way I want it but still have a cosmetic problem to deal with.

I have the original aluminum rub rail. It's a big thick solid honker that does it's job well. I thought about replacing it for cosmetic reasons but I'm not sure vinyl or pvc replacement is going to be as protective.

But...the aluminum is sure ugly. Has anybody got any ideas on how to "pretty it up" without replacing it?

Thanks in advance.

Merry Christmas, Richard

[Banshee]

I would use the Flitz Ball and Flitz combo. I do not know whats in Flitz, but it is one of the better all around polishes I have ever used. Try it you will be amazed.

[Stripersniper]

I will second the Flitz as Banshee said. It's one of the best polishes I've used. Amazing results.

Welcome to SFC

[Capt_John]

Flitz is good,but if you want to make a horrible rail look great, go to a good marine supply shop and get some metal polishing compound and a buffing wheel. Tear off about 2-3 inches of cardboard around the compound,run buffing wheel on compound until it is back to cardboard and let her eat on the rail. When it runs out repeat the process. It's more of a pain in the butt,but if the rail is really trashed,this will make it look as new as possible.

[Surfergirl]

I agree with Capt. John the metal polishing compound and buffing wheel is the way to go when the metal is in bad shape.

[Proheat]

A litte secret to shining up the aluminum rail. You can do some test comparison areas, but heres what I do. Use any cleaner/polish and apply it with either a buffer or by hand. Then remove it with toilet paper or sometimes a paper towel. The secret is that toilet paper works better than a paper towel, but a paper towel works better than a regular rag. Look at the black oxidation that the toilet paper removes and then compare it to a towel and then a rag. The aluminum will shine better where you get that extra black oxidation off. A regular towel cleans it, but leaves alot left on the surface.

HOPE THIS HELPS!!

[Tuna Taxi]

If you can find someone in your area that can do it, and the price is right, have it powder coated. You will never touch it again, and it will look great. Can color it to whatever looks good on your boat. Buddy of mine did it on his about 5 years ago, and it looks like the day it came back from the shop.

[jawz12]

If you can find someone in your area that can do it, and the price is right, have it powder coated. You will never touch it again, and it will look great. Can color it to whatever looks good on your boat. Buddy of mine did it on his about 5 years ago, and it looks like the day it came back from the shop.

powder coating looks real nice,however....as soon as the surface becomes nicked or scratched,the rest of the powder coat will pop off-it's a mess...

you can try polishing it....

here's 2 options...

refinish it....pull the rub rail,sand blast it,then etch prime it,followed by a good 2 part primer,then awlgrip it-this surface will hold up pretty well....you can paint it a color to match the boat.....

[RBOYER]

not sure of your application, but i have already taken a DA sander 9with a medium fine sandpaper) to mine and put a swirl affect on it. Brought back the shine and doesn't show all the nicks and scrathes.