How to Polish an Aluminum Trailer

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Clean all the dirt and debris from the exterior using soap and water.

   Follow the instructions on the paint stripper can. ,, Sand the rough areas with the 600 grit paper rinsing with soapy water as you go. , Use a relatively coarse grit Nuvite polishing compound for this step. (This will give your trailer a pretty good shine, but will leave swirl marks). ,, (This will give you a much better polish but will still leave swirl marks). , (This will remove swirls and provide an almost mirror-like finish.)
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   Step 2: Mask or remove any painted surfaces

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   Step 3: lights

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   Step 4: plastic pieces or any other items from the exterior of the trailer that may be damaged by the following steps.

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   Step 5: Remove the old clear coat finish (if your trailer has a clear coat finish) with a paint stripper.

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   Step 6: Wash the trailer again to remove any residual chemicals.

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   Step 7: Remove any heavy oxidation with 600 grit wet sandpaper.

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   Step 8: "Compound" the trailer using a wool bonnet on a 7" angle grinder.

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   Step 9: Start on the top of your trailer and work your way down.

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    Step 10: "Medium Polish" the trailer using a less coarse grade of Rolite polish using a new wool bonnet on the angle grinder.

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    Step 11: "Fine Polish" the trailer using a dual head random orbital polishing machine wrapped with sweatshirt material using a fine grade of Rolite polish.

Detailed Guide

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