Cleaning Reflectors

[Jamie]

Hi all,

I've got a bunch of 60" T5 reflectors that need a good cleaning. What do you use to restore their shine? I was going to simply use a metal polish, but thought I'd ask for some input.

Thanks, Jamie

[JimD]

What material are they made of? It makes a difference.

[Jamie]

I think they're aluminum. They are the Tek 2 reflectors. There's enough corrosion on them that I might give them a light wet sanding and polish from there. What do you think?

[txav8r]

Depending how deep the pits are, you can sand it with 1200 grit then 2000. After that you can buff it out with a product like 3M FinesseItII. It should come out like a mirror. If the pits are really deep you may have to start with a much course sand paper. This is how we do spinners and leading edges on aircraft.

[Mr Cob]

Good info to know. I was just thinking about this the other day. How about salt creep on reflectors...??? Just whipe clean with a damp cloth???

[txav8r]

Thats about all you can do. They make products for aluminum that make them more resistive to corrosion but I would be leary of using them unless you have a plexiglass panel between the reflector and the water, as they are petrolium based.
the best two are CorrosionX and ACF50. Both are aviation products.

[reefer man]

i was thinking about that also

[jroescher]

I just use a paper towel or soft rag soaked with RO/DI. I don't have any corrosion problem though. At least not yet.

[Jamie]

I work with aircraft as well. I have access to both products but wouldn't want either anywhere near my tank. I might use one of those nano polishes and see how the refectors hold up.