Raw aluminum skid - coating?

[5GENIDN]

Like big boss is saying... aluminum oxidation is only on the surface.... Unlike ferric metals where a ferric oxide molecule is larger than the bi-ferric molecules. ferric oxide being larger pushes the ferric molecules apart allowing more oxygen in to combine with other ferric molecules which are larger and push the other ferric molecules apart letting in more oxygen molecules.... Rust....
Aluminum oxide molecules are actually smaller than the surrounding bi-aluminum molecules so the oxidation remains on the surface only... This is called passivation. That oxidation can be removed with a rubbing compound where the process will slowly start all over again or it can be left (not the most attractive option) but it will not proceed any farther.

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[Callelk]

I've decided to go with Sharkhide. It's used widely in the marine industry, cost effective, and is simple to apply. Touchups are also easier than even paint.

Agreed, I have had it on my boat for 7 years and just got the kit to redo next month or I may wait until next spring as it still looks good.

 

[JohnnyBronco]

Aluminum in the wild
https://images.app.goo.gl/qiTGNBXPmeDyRfoR8

 

[mjcutri]

Aluminum in the wild
https://images.app.goo.gl/qiTGNBXPmeDyRfoR8

The Delorean was famously made of stainless steel, not aluminum.

 

[chtucker]

I got mine polished to a mirror finnish and then wrapped it in PPF. Looks cool and reflects the road.

Not sure how long it will last but lets see. We dont have much rocks here so the main use is in desert environments.

We live a wild and crazy world where skid plates are getting polished…. To each his own, but to me that is like putting armorall/tire wet on your tires before you go rock crawling.

 

[Big Boss]

@Hashlak I can't lie, that looks awesome.

 

[TopRamenGod]

We live a wild and crazy world where skid plates are getting polished…. To each his own, but to me that is like putting armorall/tire wet on your tires before you go rock crawling.

Gotta make that staging area air down shot!

Still, looks kinda awesome and makes for a clean street look. At least his wheels are still the off-road functional kind.

 

[TopRamenGod]

Came here to get peace of mind about switching from powder coated steel skids (the IAG ones, which are scratched and rusted, in some cases quite dented) to mostly raw 5052 aluminum skids (the RCI ones, plus a Lobo HNT aluminum front skid).

Seems like the consensus is mostly to let em be and not try to seal them. At most maybe some point in the future buff em down with the aforementioned rubbing compound to make em look newish.

 

[BroncoChallenger]

Engineer here who deals with aluminum parts on the regular (cast, formed, machined, etc).

As mentioned in this, aluminum oxidation is basically the aluminum creating its own protective layer - it doesn't look good but it will not penetrate any deeper than the surface. It will only go deeper if the part develops a crack or hole. The more times you clean that layer off, the thinner the part gets though - so I wouldn't advise cleaning it all the time.

Anodizing is actually pretty cheap - even colored. We have a place nearby that has a minimum $150 price, and that lets me get approximately 50 2x2x3 pieces anodized in color. It's a good protectant, but WILL scratch when rubbed against a harder surface, so there is that to consider.

 

[zoober]

Engineer here who deals with aluminum parts on the regular (cast, formed, machined, etc).

As mentioned in this, aluminum oxidation is basically the aluminum creating its own protective layer - it doesn't look good but it will not penetrate any deeper than the surface. It will only go deeper if the part develops a crack or hole. The more times you clean that layer off, the thinner the part gets though - so I wouldn't advise cleaning it all the time.

Anodizing is actually pretty cheap - even colored. We have a place nearby that has a minimum $150 price, and that lets me get approximately 50 2x2x3 pieces anodized in color. It's a good protectant, but WILL scratch when rubbed against a harder surface, so there is that to consider.

Just need to make sure the plater has a large enough tank for the skid plates.

 

[BroncoChallenger]

Just need to make sure the plater has a large enough tank for the skid plates.

This is true. Most do, but it is always something to check.

 

[zoober]

This is true. Most do, but it is always something to check.

We use Danco for most of our Aluminum ano. They can handle most anything. But some of the smaller mom and pop platers have 24X24" oe 36X36" tanks for mostly widgets.

 

[lmarchetti]

I use shark hide on raw aluminum beauty rings for the rims. Easy to apply, re-apply and remove.

Only lasts about a year between the scratches and abrasion from road grime.

Works for me, might for you as well.... I don't bother with more than 1 coat, it gets sticky fast and leaves lots of lint in the coating.

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