A wide variety of products use aluminum.Pure aluminum mixed with other metals are used in everything from cooking utensils to household furnishings and vehicle parts.The surface layer of an aluminum piece has a strong bond with the air.It protects the aluminum and makes it more durable, but can also cause a dull appearance.Acid can be used to restore the appearance of aluminum, which is oxidation on the surface.
Step 1: The acid wash should be applied to your aluminum.
The size of your piece and the stain you are trying to remove will affect this step.If you have a large stain on the aluminum, it is best to soak it in acid for a couple of hours.If you don't have a tank big enough for your piece to fit in, you can put acid on a rag and rub it back and forth.If you go in a circular motion, it can cause the aluminum to look different in the finished product.
Step 2: If necessary, scrub lightly with a soft abrasive.
Salt or baking soda can be used as an abrasive if the stain doesn't come off easily with just acid.You can use a rag to rub it in.To minimize scratches on your aluminum surface, put as little force into the scrubbing as possible.Steel wool can be used as a more serious abrasive.If you feel like you need to do this, you should look for the finest grade of steel wool that you can buy, and be very gentle with it.Things will get worse in the future if there are scratches in your aluminum.
Step 3: The acid must be washed away to dry the piece.
Acid can cause pitting if it is left on your piece.The piece should be washed in room temperature water.Simply dry the piece with a soft, clean towel after the acid is removed.
Step 4: polishing the aluminum will protect it from damage in the future.
You can get an aluminum polish at your local home improvement store.Rub the polish in a circular motion with a rag, and then remove it with another rag.To shine up your piece, buff the surface with a clean rag.If you put aluminum polish on a surface that will come in contact with food or fire, do not do it.It is dangerous.
Step 5: An appropriate acid is chosen.
hydrochloric acid is a common choice for an acid wash.It is easy to come by and safe for the aluminum.The acid should be kept away from pets and children.It is harmful to the environment.Muriatic acid doesn't have a standard concentration.To know the exact concentration, check the product label.Gloves and protective eyewear are required to avoid irritation.Another way to make an acid solution is to use cream of tartar and water.It's safer than using strong acids.
Step 6: Take acid and put it into water.
It's important that you do this correctly.A large amount of heat is generated when water and acid mix.The heat will be dispersed if you put acid into a container of water.It's a good idea to consult the label or manufacturer for the ratio of water to acid.If you pour the water into the acid, it may get hot enough to cause a flash boil, sending concentrated acid out of the container.You can protect yourself from flash boiling by pouring acid into the water.
Step 7: The acid wash should be kept at a room temperature.
Acid can be removed from your aluminum by using room temperature.It works out great if you have to scrub the piece, as dealing with very hot or very cold acid could be difficult.If you attempt to clean the aluminum piece with acid, you should make sure it is at room temperature.The solution can be boiled.If you want to wash a pot or pan that has been exposed to the elements, you can use 1 US quart of water and 15 grams of vinegar.
Step 8: The degreaser should be used to wash the aluminum surface.
The goal is to remove as much dirt as possible.The acid will need to be able to reach the metal to clean it.The piece needs to be washed as many times as possible to prepare it for the acid wash.
Step 9: A light abrasive is needed for scrubbing.
It might be necessary to remove burnt-on food.You want to use a method that will work if this is the case.Baking soda can be rubbed with a rag.To ensure an even look, use a back and forth motion rather than a circular motion.
Step 10: Before the acid wash, rinse and dry the piece
After washing and scrubbing the piece, it is ready for the acid wash.The acid solution should be exposed to the aluminum surface with a soft rag.