Fading Brass coloured window frames

[Sarahr]

We have brass/gold coloured window frames on our 19 year old boat the anodising is wearing off and they are looking a bit tired, is there anything we can do to them to brighten them up? We are very reluctant to change them as there is nothing wrong with them, but they do spoil the appearance of the boat a little as she is in very good condition apart from this.

Edited October 20, 2018 by Sarahr

[BEngo]

Paint them to match or contrast with the cabin side?

You will need a specialised primer but after that ordinary exterior metal paints will be OK

N

[Jennifer McM]

Wonder if you've tried painting on some ketchup/sauce, leaving for a few minutes, then wash it off. This should brighten up what brass is there, without scouring. Perhaps worth a try on a small area.

[Movin' on]

Had the same problem on a previous boat - sadly from my experience and a lot of trial and error there is nothing you can do to refurbish and IMHO DIY repaints always look worse however well prepared 

Edited October 20, 2018 by Halsey

[Detling]

Often they are gold anodized aluminium which cannot be brought back to life unfortunately.

[blackrose]

On 20/10/2018 at 13:09, BEngo said:

Paint them to match or contrast with the cabin side?

You will need a specialised primer but after that ordinary exterior metal paints will be OK

N

 

This seems like the best option. I don't see why they can't be brought back to life if they're painted properly starting with the correct prep and a good primer.

 

https://www.boatpaint.co.uk/acatalog/Hempel_Light_Primer.html

 

Make sure you read the product datasheet.

 

 

 

 

Edited October 21, 2018 by blackrose

[Phil Ambrose]

On 20/10/2018 at 13:39, Jennifer McM said:

Wonder if you've tried painting on some ketchup/sauce, leaving for a few minutes, then wash it off. This should brighten up what brass is there, without scouring. Perhaps worth a try on a small area.

Afraid that wouldn't work because there is no brass involved . The frames are gold coloured anodized aluminium and the only sensible thing is to paint using a special aluminium primer followed by undercoat  and top coat of your choice.

Phil 

Edited October 21, 2018 by Phil Ambrose

[WotEver]

6 minutes ago, Phil Ambrose said:

the only sensible thing is to paint using a special aluminium primer followed by underdogs and top coat of your choice.

Personally I’d go for undercoat, but whatever floats yer boat...

[stegra]

I Painted my aluminum window and door frames with aerosol cans from Halfords. Frames need to be spotlessly clean, then use etch primer followed by regular primer then topcoat. I used metallic so needed clear lacquer as well. Trick is to build up in light coats to avoid runs. Been on a year now and all fine.

 

[Boater Sam]

Much better sprayed rather than brushed.

 

2 pack automotive rattle cans and then the clear top coat. It lasts on cars till they rust away. Your frames are ally so no rust problem. Rub then down with fine wire wool, not sandpaper else the scratches will show.

[Cheshire cat]

There is a product out there called Everbrite that seems to dissolve the oxidation and then seal the surface.

 

I've never used it and the product looks like it would be best applied to a horizontal surface