scratched anodising on mast

[NPMR]

When cutting the old VHF bracket off the mast (failed with penetrating oil, a drift and large hammer and heat!) the anodising got scratched, leaving bare aluminium.

I was going to varnish over it but is there a better solution?

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

Yes. Just leave it as it is. Aluminium immediately oxidises on contact with air and, as long as there are no other metals in contact with it, it 'self heals'.

 

[whiteoaks7]

The best treatment is a 'cold anodising' known as 'Alochrom' (I think this is the spelling). You just brush it on. The only difficulty is getting some since it's used by the tonne in aerospace and shipbuilding industries. An alternative I've been recommended is silicone polish but you would have to keep renewing this. If you dont treat it it's likely to develop white powder deposits of various oxides and generally look pretty bad, however, these are not 'life threatening'.

 

[whiteoaks7]

Incidentally, if you find a source can you publish it here - I imagine a number of people would like some.

 

[rickp]

Alochrom 4kg

Rick