Letter 28067

Restoration of Architectural Aluminum [New Jersey] 

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I'm concerned about the condition of some architectural aluminum found in an urban train station. The station was constructed between 1932 and 1937 and all of the aluminum used for the semi-sheltered waiting rooms (they are located within a train shed) is original. The aluminum is slightly pitted and understandably dull and whitish (the original finish was satin) in many places. An aluminum coating has been suggested, but I seem to think that a mild, manual buffing/polishing would be better. Any other suggestions?

Marianne Walsh
State Historic Preservation Office - Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.

Dear Marianne!

You must clean it with some very mild detergent/pH neutral are best/. After that you must rinse it well/distilled water is best/ and then polish it manual. And you may think about some good clearcoat.

Good luck!

Goran Budija
- Zagreb, Croatia

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