Polishing the mast

[BlueSkyNick]

Our rig is down for reasons I wont bore you all with, and I am thinking about taking the opportunity to give the mast a decent clean up.

Its the bog standard Selden annodised variety.

Any suggestions for what to put on it?

 

[MoodySabre]

I asked my rigger that and he said just wash it with a bit a Cif.

 

[BlueSkyNick]

Thanks MS, seems sensible to me..... and it's something SWMBO can manage !

 

[bob26]

Baby Oil?

Our rig is down for reasons I wont bore you all with, and I am thinking about taking the opportunity to give the mast a decent clean up.

Its the bog standard Selden annodised variety.

Any suggestions for what to put on it?

I noticed someone wiping their lowered mast with baby oil the other day. When I asked why, the explanation I got was "best thing for it..." Its true there was not a single sign of nappy rash. Gave the anodizing a slightly shiny look. Smooth as a baby's btm perhaps. Not sure if it was Johnson's or Boots. Or whether it does the slightest good.

 

[Marine Reflections]

+1 on a simple process with a mild cleaner.

Try not to use any 'high alkaline' products as these will interfere with the anodic oxide, something ph neutral, nice and mild.

As the anodising is so hard, you may find an abrasive (think soft Scotch pad) or a pumice powder will get good results.

As for what to put on it.....

The anodising itself is the protection, but will still be exposed to the acidic elements, I have found that any decent high content Carnauba paste wax works well with sealing from water, UV, air pollutants etc.

 

[MoodySabre]

Just don't ask Nick's wife to get the baby oil out - he might never get the boat fixed

 

[BlueSkyNick]

Just don't ask Nick's wife to get the baby oil out - he might never get the boat fixed

As the kids are now in their 20's, I suspect any baby oil in our house is well past its Use-By date....... but I might buy some more

 

[billcowan]

Is this thread for forumites to mast debate?

Baby oil, well I never

 

[Lakesailor]

I think this thread gives the definitive answer.

 

[pvb]

Any suggestions for what to put on it?

The real answer is that there isn't much you can do to improve the appearance. You might try white spirit on a scouring pad, wash off, then wax, but the result will be about as good as you'll get. The "mast oil" treatments are temporary.

 

[Marine Reflections]

Lots of good information here from the Aluminium Anodizers Council.

It is, possibly the hardest surface on a craft to bring up and second the results of oil as being very temporary. Best left for other activities!

 

[Chrissie]

Baby oil contains mineral oil which actually does penetrate the metal and helps condition it. Mineral oil helps prevent corrosion too and should be used on window frames as well. You rub it on and any excess on the surface you wipe off five minutes later.
It doesnt leave it slippery. As to suggestions of the effect being temporary, the cosmetic effect might be but the conditioning effects on the aluminium are much more lasting.

 

[KREW2]

I've tried this http://www.baysidemarine.co.uk/product/Hempel_Mast_Care_500ml_594
It's not too expensive by marine standards, and shouldn't do it any harm.