Re-brushing tailgate panel?
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4wd Low
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 14
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Re-brushing tailgate panel?
I have a 95 F350 with the aluminum/black plastic tailgate panel. The previous owner had some stickers on it. After they were removed, the stickers left shadows.
What can I try to get those marks off? I was thinking about getting a scotchbrite drum on a power tool to brush it all back out.
Suggestions?
What can I try to get those marks off? I was thinking about getting a scotchbrite drum on a power tool to brush it all back out.
Suggestions?
New User
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 12
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Scotch brite will give it a nice clean, but dull shark skin look. I personally like this, but if you want bling bling and shiny you will have to follow the scotch brite with 1000, 1500, 2000 grit sandpaper and then buff to shine. You don't really need a fancy drum sander for your scotch brite either. You can certainly do it by hand with good results. I typically use an orbital sander and grey scotch brite on large flat aluminum panels
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4wd Low
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 14
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Orbital huh? Wouldn't that leave... orbital brush marks? I love my DA sander and I use it for everything but I figured this would need more straight lines, no?
I do have a polishing machine like the one in but I'm a bit squeamish about using it on something so difficult to replace if I mess up.
I do have a polishing machine like the one in but I'm a bit squeamish about using it on something so difficult to replace if I mess up.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 6,815
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From: Tobyhanma, PA
There are aftermarket panels available. I've looked at getting one of these. They have 3 options now. Just came out with a king ranch one. I like the Superduty one myself.
https://diesels-unlimited.com/collections/obs-fords
https://diesels-unlimited.com/collections/obs-fords
New User
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 12
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Orbital huh? Wouldn't that leave... orbital brush marks? I love my DA sander and I use it for everything but I figured this would need more straight lines, no?
I do have a polishing machine like the one in this link but I'm a bit squeamish about using it on something so difficult to replace if I mess up.
I do have a polishing machine like the one in this link but I'm a bit squeamish about using it on something so difficult to replace if I mess up.
I didn't think of it before, but if that panel has a layer of clear coat on it it from the factory will definitely complicate things.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,333
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It's not a clear coat, it is anodized.
All of the aluminum body trims in this vintage Ford trucks are anodized.
I have had good luck buffing anodized windshield trim moldings if they are in good shape, but what is being buffed isn't the aluminum it is the anodized layer being buffed and it may prove a futile exercise for a badly deteriorated piece.
You may be able to paint over anodized parts with an opaque paint, if prepped correctly, but to go back to clear you will likely need to strip the anodizing and go with new anodizing or perhaps clear coat.
Clear powder coat often has a problem resisting UV and likely would be short lived.
Removing anodizing
And to make the brushed look it has been my experience that the abrasive has to be moved in the direction of the brush line only. If you don't lift the abrasive to move to the next level up you will create non linear lines and they will show to some degree.
You might be able to use orbital sander to cut the surface but it won't be a brushed look without further effort.
All of the aluminum body trims in this vintage Ford trucks are anodized.
I have had good luck buffing anodized windshield trim moldings if they are in good shape, but what is being buffed isn't the aluminum it is the anodized layer being buffed and it may prove a futile exercise for a badly deteriorated piece.
You may be able to paint over anodized parts with an opaque paint, if prepped correctly, but to go back to clear you will likely need to strip the anodizing and go with new anodizing or perhaps clear coat.
Clear powder coat often has a problem resisting UV and likely would be short lived.
Removing anodizing
And to make the brushed look it has been my experience that the abrasive has to be moved in the direction of the brush line only. If you don't lift the abrasive to move to the next level up you will create non linear lines and they will show to some degree.
You might be able to use orbital sander to cut the surface but it won't be a brushed look without further effort.
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