Aluminum Hull Prep

[Danno]

Hello,
I'm looking for advice on the best product(s) to use to prepare my North River aluminum hull prior to applying two coats of Shark Hide.
Something to remove any tarnish/oxidation and generally clean.
Also, do I need to apply Shark Hide to the blue band on the hull right below the gunwhale? I was thinking I might just apply a good marine wax.
Thanks.

Danno

[Boiler Up]

Preparing the hull was very labor intensive for me.
I finally resorted to using a wet sandpaper to remove the oxidation.
Used about 3 grits. I tried using an electric auto polisher pad with
an oxidizer remover type paste used for renewal of auto finishes, and that was very slow and generally not productive. If I could have
found the right pads, it might have worked better.
I also tried an acid wash...can't remember the name of the product.
It was messy, expensive, and required at lest two applications.
It was hard on any painted or galvanized surfaces not completely
masked off.
It took me days of work to get the hull looking like new. There must
be a better way than wet sandpaper....but I am happy with how the hull looks now after the work and two coats of Sharkhide.
Boiler Up

[Danno]

Thanks much for the advice, Boiler. Guess I better get started.
Danno