Letter 33084

Cleaning brushed aluminum flag poles [New Jersey] 

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Sirs, I've been given the task of cleaning three(3) flag poles with brushed aluminum finish. Each pole is @ 30 feet tall.We can reach these poles top to bottom as we have use of a cherry picker. Each pole has black marks from the ropes and also oxidation. Please advise me on the best way to clean them or should I consider painting them.

Thank you in advance.

John T [name deleted for privacy]
Painting - Toms River, NJ, USA

I also have been given the task of cleaning an old brushed aluminum flag pole, it is oxidized and has algae covering the first 5-7 ft from the ground, I can access the entire pole what should I us for best results

Thank you,
Ric Patterson
Facilities Maintenance Division
City

RIC P [name deleted for privacy]
- WASHINGTON

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I too am cleaning aluminum poles of graffitti, posters, tape and mold. I'm using laquer thinner and a scraper knife as well as SOS pads. They shine up real good with a bit of elbow grease.

Sam Smith
- Halifax, Nova Scotia

Information on cleaning an aluminum flagpole

Martin Breitinger
- Mansfield, Ohio USA

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First, get a very tall ladder . . . :-)

Seriously, Sam's idea is probably as good as any. There are commercial aluminum cleaners available at your hardware store, but I don't see where they do much. I would urge you not to use anything with hydrofluoric acid, as this is just so dangerous that it deeply frightens professional metal finishers. You could try Aircraft Stripper [link is to product info at Amazon], which is noxious stuff but not as bad as the HF. After you've cleaned it you may wish to clearcoat it. The clearcoat not only protects it, but can often restore lustre by offering a smooth surface instead of a rough surface. If it looks good when wet, it will look a lot like that after clearcoating. Good luck!

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, NJ

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