Hi,
I have been asked if I could clean the aluminum window frames on some commercial buildings; a bank chain with a total of several thousand window frames. They probably date from the 1950’s or 60’s. Up to 4 stories or so; some are over awnings and otherwise hard to get to with a ladder. I tried a test area scrubbing the frames with an aggressive sill brush on my wfp; it didn’t make enough of a difference. What is the recommended method for “brightening” and cleaning those frames? Ideally, I’d like a spray on/rinse off solution which won’t harm awnings or vegetation. Of course, I’d have to follow up the frame cleaning by cleaning all windows (wfp)
Thanks.
Allen
Hello. I am a new guy, just trying to help. Two cents; this is restoration work. Are you up to that? Anyway, here is just one link. I just Googled “restore anodized aluminum window frames.” You did not mention the color of this. I did see a company picture of a guy on a ladder with what appeared to be a buffer wheel on an electric drill. Looked very labor intensive. Anyway, I don’t mind restoration work. I would charge a fortune for this. Banks can be a little cheap. Hope this helps. Will follow this thread to see what you do. I would pass, or charge about 100K and hire help.
http://www.eacochem.com/LearningCenter/anodizedaluminum.htm
Added: Go up to the little search window and type “one restore.” More food for thought.
What is the surface, is it plain, anodized, brushed, power coated or painted.
What ever type it is you will not be able to complete this job from the ground and hope for a positive outcome, I would say a scissor lift if the terrain supports it.
Then there are chemical treatments of you can use something like this https://www.wish.com/search/cleaning#cid=57621299e6eec709d8897e68
Here is my two cents going off what little info you have given:
I’ve cleaned aluminum trailers many times. In order to get the aluminum “shiny new”, it takes an acid to clean it up. Bad news if you are working around brick because it may discolor/harm the brick. Bad news around glass, as it would likely etch the glass.
More bad news is, it is a temporary fix, as the aluminum will dull again in about a year, if you can’t put something over it to protect it.
There may be other products that you could use a grinder/buffer with, but I don’t know any off hand nor do I know if those things could damage the building/glass if it touches it.
I’d say unless you are pretty knowledgeable about this type of resto work, you are better off passing. This is a pretty big job that a lot of people will notice, with good or bad results.
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Thanks for the input. I think I’ll pass on using any type of chemical on these. Too much difficulty and too much risk.
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