Did a white corrugated aluminum siding job today with a 2% mix. The results were less than satisfactory at the top 5ft and the overhead where the roof extended out about 4ft. The dirt build up in this area is seems typical for having not been cleaned for twenty plus years. Looking through the old post, someone mentioned using simple green. Curious if this is added to my mix or done prior to mix. Also read up on the gas station canopies, thinking they were similar materials, and they were getting great results with a 1% mix. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Dont want to use pressure washer as others have suggested on the forums.
Thanks. Mike
John Smith said
Mar 9, 2013
I'd like to know as well, I believe my first job this spring will be the same thing . My banker perked up when I said "softwashing" and asked if I could clean a metal building that she converted into a house. Of course I said " we sure can". Some times you have to pull a " Bill Gates"
AC Lockyer said
Mar 9, 2013
Always the top of a surface will need a second coat because of gravity. Some perscribe treating from the bottom and working up but I believe that wastes chemical. Just give it a second wack or two.
1. DO NOT EXCEED 2% MIX BECAUSE BLEACH CAN REMOVE PAINT ON ALUMINUM.
2. ON THE WEST AND SOUTH EXPOSURES IF THE FINISH IS CHALKY COUNT ON SOME PAINT LOSS DUE TO UV DAMAGE.
Hope this is helpful.
AC
Mike Wedge said
Mar 9, 2013
Thanks AC, I will definetly do that. Should I bring any back-up chemicals or do you think that should surfice.
AC Lockyer said
Mar 9, 2013
Bring a truck wash brush so you can agitate it some where it is bad.
AC
Mike Wedge said
Mar 9, 2013
Got it! Thanks for the help AC.
I go back on monday, let you know how it goes.
Aloha Mike
Ray Burke said
Mar 10, 2013
The problem with using anything else besides a softwash on a metal building like this is uneven results. A PW will leave striping, heavy brushing will leave cleaner spot than others, spot chemical use can cause the same blotchy effect.
Thy to get your 1.5% mix to really "stick" in those areas.
Mike Wedge said
Mar 10, 2013
Thanks Ray, would i do this by adding more green wash to the mix or maybe some dawn?
Ryan Freidline said
Mar 11, 2013
I think an Eacochem product would work best here. Have used HD-Britenol and OneRestore on painted aluminum services with great results. Talk to mike he is great for talking to the contractor and getting you through the process. Then call me if you need additional help with application techniques. Yeah, I would x-jet the walls with the proper dilution, dwell, and rinse. Dwell time will depend on outside temps, degree of staining, and product dilution. Good luck.
Did a white corrugated aluminum siding job today with a 2% mix. The results were less than satisfactory at the top 5ft and the overhead where the roof extended out about 4ft. The dirt build up in this area is seems typical for having not been cleaned for twenty plus years. Looking through the old post, someone mentioned using simple green. Curious if this is added to my mix or done prior to mix. Also read up on the gas station canopies, thinking they were similar materials, and they were getting great results with a 1% mix. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Dont want to use pressure washer as others have suggested on the forums.
Thanks. Mike
1. DO NOT EXCEED 2% MIX BECAUSE BLEACH CAN REMOVE PAINT ON ALUMINUM.
2. ON THE WEST AND SOUTH EXPOSURES IF THE FINISH IS CHALKY COUNT ON SOME PAINT LOSS DUE TO UV DAMAGE.
Hope this is helpful.
AC
Thanks AC, I will definetly do that. Should I bring any back-up chemicals or do you think that should surfice.
Bring a truck wash brush so you can agitate it some where it is bad.
AC
Got it! Thanks for the help AC.
I go back on monday, let you know how it goes.
Aloha Mike
Thy to get your 1.5% mix to really "stick" in those areas.
Thanks Ray, would i do this by adding more green wash to the mix or maybe some dawn?