Need Aluma Brite Instruction ASAP

[RZIM1115]

Hey guys,
I wanted to know if anyone out there had and information regarding the mixture and the application process of Aluma-Brite. We have a new fleet customer that wanted to know if we could use this product on his Trailer and Diesel tanks. I know that the product is very acidic and if you apply it wrong you can wind up whitening out the entire trailer or cause streaks. Any information you could give is greatly appreciated

 

[Larry B]

Are these polished aluminum pieces? If so you wil have to be very careful or you will dull them. The best thing to do is start out very weak, a 100:1 ratio will work with good acid on aluminum. You can dilute it and then downstream. You will need to know the injection ratio of yoru downstreamer. do test first to determine your overall ration. You can then move up to a higher ration but I don't need anything higher than 50:1 with good acid followed by soap.
Allow NO dwell time either or you will dull it. I prewet everything polished before the application of acid on all polished surfaces. Be aware of your runs and drips as they will concentrate and cause dulling.

This is not easy and if you can avoid it you are better off. It takes pracitce or you could end up paying money to have the aluminum re-polished.

 

[Scott Stone]

Larry is right on. The biggest problem with aluma brite is that people use way too strong. 50:1 is the ratio recommended by my supplier. It will white out a wheel, tank or trailer, and once it is done, it's done. You will either need to repolish or get them to think that it is acceptable.

 

[Larry L.]

I'm not going to disagree with the above but do not let it scare you, 2-stepping is one of the most understood trades.I take the owner knows what he wants in asking for a acid wash on both trucks and trailers.He already knows what 2-stepping will do to polished tanks and wheels and it will not cause a white out.It will however take the polish off the tanks and rims and leave a satin shine which is not a white.I have never whited a trailer or truck by 2-stepping even at higher rates.However not all alumium brightners are made the same,some will white out alumium and some want.

If not polished HF acid is used in most acid washes,if polished PH acid is used.

Some of the soaps will do more harm to painted surfaces then acid will,acids are the best cleaners on the market when fallowed with a fleet soap.