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Post by wisconsinjoe on Jul 29, 2020 6:38:58 GMT -8
Call me crazy, but I kind of like the look of oxidized aluminum. On our scratch build, I'll be using new aluminum from a local truck supply dealer. It's heavier (0.40) than most camper aluminum, but I can have the break texture done pretty inexpensively.
Wondering how I can get that "mill finish" as opposed to a polished finish. The new skin will be shiny new and probably have some minor scratches. We have "polished" the old windows and other trim with fine steel wool and call it good enough. How hard would it be to get that same finish on an entire camper? Any tricks?
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Post by vikx on Jul 29, 2020 9:39:06 GMT -8
Being out in the elements should do the trick. To hurry it along, experiment with aluminum or mag wheel cleaner. It will streak so I would think wiping it on and then rinsing would work.
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yas
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'63 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by yas on Jul 30, 2020 12:13:16 GMT -8
How about a light abrasive blasting, perhaps soda blasting? You'd be left with a matte finish that would oxidize quickly.
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ekimnamniets
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Post by ekimnamniets on Jul 30, 2020 16:18:50 GMT -8
W.J. I don't know if there are any in your area but around here there is a chain of stores called "Metal By The Foot". They carry several products for alternative finishes on metal. The ones I've seen were for mild steel applications but check with them.....if there's something out there for aluminum they should know. You might try a small area with a wipe of acidic acid, or muriatic acid (diluted).
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WhitneyK
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'67 Shasta Compact
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Post by WhitneyK on Jul 30, 2020 17:50:51 GMT -8
If it's from a trailer supply place, it's probably already has a mill finish. That's were mine came from for my TD style camper. .040, mill finish, dead soft, and had an oil type coating on it. After a year or so, it will be a dull finish. I got my sweaty arm up against it working on the tongue box and it oxidized white in about a week. Had to sand it off to get rid of it.
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turbodaddy
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17' 1965 Fan "Sunseeker"
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Post by turbodaddy on Aug 1, 2020 18:36:14 GMT -8
I took a similar path. I didn't want to have to maintain polished aluminum trim. I found that I could obtain a "mill finish" using a small (3" dia.) wire brush in a drill. Hard to put into words, but if you try it you'll find that you can develop a technique using the right angle, pressure and rpms to get the metal to kind of become malleable. I wash the trailer several times a year and wax at least twice a year including all the aluminum trim and windows. It still looks great after 6 or 7 years, stored uncovered in the salty air on Cape Cod.
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Post by wisconsinjoe on Aug 3, 2020 12:08:29 GMT -8
Thanks folks. Encouraging replies. Now I just have to convince my wife. I might just start by steel wooling by hand, just to take the new shine and small scratches out of the soft new aluminum. I can always paint if I don't like it.
One worry however is that the roof might get hotter. So, I am considering painting the roof white.
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