Polishing a Blanik L-13?

JC wrote:
On 20 Apr 2006 07:44:24 -0700, "Papa3" wrote:

The thread on aluminum trailer painting prompted this question. I've
seen a number of Blanik L-13s in the "original" factory finish of bare
aluminum with blue trim stripes. The aluminum is always dull and
mottled. Closer inspection suggests that the material is not the
typical 2024 surface finish and/or is not Alclad. Has anyone been
able to polish one successfully (successful meaning bright and shiny
and stayed that way for some time)?

Erik Mann
LS8-18 (P3)

I used 3M Brand Super Duty Rubbing Compound Part # 05954 on my L-13
and L-23. I used an inexpensive electric buffer. After buffing the
residue needs to be wiped off with a damp cloth. Worked well and
shined up nicely. I did not try to remove scratches with it, just
took out the dullness of the finish.


Our soaring club has (3) Blanik L-13's and I have found that eagle one
wax seems to last the best. I would not recommend using an aluminum
polish because the Blanik's are not made with aluminum. The metal
used on the Blanik's is DURUAL (Sp?) which has a lot of magnesium in
it. There is a clear coat painted over the metal and it is meant to
prevent exposing the metal to the elements. Once this coat is
jeopardized, the metal will tarnish to the elements in the air. This is
not like trying to polish a Cherokee 150 or something similar. You
should never rub through this. Of the three Balnik's we have one is
painted white and the other two are the original metal. The painted
white one seems to always look like it's clean.

Tim
Adirondack Soaring
Saratoga Springs, NY




BTW, there is no silicone in the product, so no problems if you choose
to paint it later. It is available at any good auto paint supply
store.