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Having problem applying vinyl to old aluminium panels
Hi All
I have a customer who has a Ford Transit flat bed van with aluminium sides that drop down, they are a few years old and the aluminium seems to have gotten very rough, I tried cleaning it down but almost feels like it’s starting to rust (but it’s obviously not rust) The issue is that vinyl won’t stick to it at all. Now I did some of these last year on some new vans and the graphics are still perfect.
Has anybody had any experience with old aluminium or know the cause of this and what has happened to the aluminium.
Cheers
Warren
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10 Replies
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sounds like it is oxidising mate. Common here around the seaside, but equally common if they have not been cleaned regularly.
I signed some yesterday with a good quality cast, but I’ve used a hi tac vinyl in the past with good results.
A heavy dose of cleaning with metho is a good start too.
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Watched a program the other week about renovating a old ally caravan, it sounds as if the ally needs grinding back and polishing back up as they had to with the caravan before adhering a new name to it.
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Thanks guys, it’s what I though and told them. I tried the cleaning route with a range of chemicals but nothing worked. Not sure they want to go through the cost just to put a bit of lettering on.
Cheers anyway
Warren
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Warren
We have used scothbrite pads on these or even a scouring pad may do the job just to remove any scale. Then the usual degreaser.Cheers
Gary
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Depending on the degree of oxidization of course, Scotchbrite pads are very good at cleaning the surface, slightly less aggressive when used with water. It will of course show where you have cleaned the surface.
Steve
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Yep brillo pad then a scrub if they are paying
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could give that a try if they want, thanks guys.
cheers
Warren
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I did one a couple o weeks ago. 09 transit but The guy from a fishing village! Alloy wheel cleaner with a Scotchbrite. cleaned up great! Had to heat the panels right up freezing was a understatement!
Martin
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Had this problem on Yacht booms. Just use an orbital sander with the scotchbrite pads, comes up a treat.
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Hi Warren – I did a job recently for a builder contractor and he had wire brushed the drop sides with a drill and a rotary wire wheel… Great surface to stick just normal vinyl lettering to.. Cheers Gavin
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