Prepare oxidized aluminum for painting

Q. I have recently replaced some existing storms with new vinyl clad storm windows and intend to paint the remaining aluminum combination storm frames with a matching gray aerosol spray paint. The existing aluminum frames have 30 years of surface oxidation and need to be cleaned before painting.

Can I sand the finish with fine sandpaper / 00 steel wool ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] before painting or is there a marketed product that would be easier/better to neutralize the oxidation? I did read a post about cleaning aluminum for welding, but didn't understand what an acid etch was or even if that was applicable to my situation.

Please help me because I am getting pressure from my spouse to get on this project.

Thanks in advance for helping preserve marital harmony in my household.

A. I have used the store-bought acid-based aluminum cleaners like Burnishine Aluminum Brightener and Duro Aluminum Jelly and have personally not been much impressed. If it were me, I think I'd just prepare the pieces for painting by cleaning them with detergent and a pressure washer or a scrub brush ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] .

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Ted is available for instant help
or longer-term assistance.

A. I've heard vinegar ⇦in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil link] and water, mixed one to one. I used scotchbrite pads and some elbow grease, but it really renewed the surface.

Ron Pulliam
Graphic Design - Tacoma Washington US
2006