How do you clean reflector with salt creep

B

bsk997

New member
I was given two sls t-5 reflectors from a friend but it had a lot of salt creep on it. I tried to clean off all the salt creep the best I can but there's still a lot of residue or "stains" still on it. Kind of like water spots on a car when you wash it. The stuff is in there pretty good and won't come out.
I tried to clean it with some windex but that didn't help. Is there anything out there that'll buff out the salt water stains in the reflector?
Thanks
 
I have found that if you don't clean them regularly (monthly or so) that the stains become permanent.
 
Doh!
I was hoping that wasn't true.
I've wanted to try out vinegar as well but scared it will mess it up.
 
YEah me too. :(
I tried vinegar, windex, the works.
If someone has a way to get off puh-lease let us know.

Sean
 
I have an idea..........for someone else to try though :D

How about a Dremel tool with a soft tip wire bristle wheel on it?

I know it would work, but done carefully it might not be damaging to the polished finish. Or, some other kind of Dremel attachment.

Russ
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6582690#post6582690 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SeanT
Ahhh when in doubt...DREMEL IT!

You are my kind of guy. :D
Click to expand...

LMAO Sean. Keep that quiet though, we each have reputations to uphold! :eek1:
 
Try "Nevr Dull" made by Eagle One automotive products. It's a soft flannel type of material with some type of chemical added to it made specifically for polishing metals. (Also does a great job of removing stains from metal) Available most places that sell car cleaning / care products.
 
Why not just try some Brasso on a small edge first? If it works, I would then do a full cleaning or two with vinegar and finish with RO maybe.
 
For aluminum reflectors, you could try DuPont 606S. You can get it at your local auto paint shop. You mix it with water and buff. Takes a lot of elbow grease or a polishing wheel. I've used the stuff on aluminum and makes it shine like a mirror. I am not just saying that, it does look like a mirror. All the residue is used as compound. You will have to wipe accasionally with a rag soaked in water. whenever you start seeing black residue starting, clean off with water and a rag.
If you want to go another way, a dremel will work but takes time due to the low surface area of the cotton wheel. You can either use 606S or use jewelers rouge. The rouge is a stick paste and comes in a variety of grits. The dremel with the little wheel makes it look choppy. A larger wheel, around 6 to 8" works best. Just be sure on both the rouge and 606S to clean the wheel frequently. Meaning, taking a fork, flat piece of clean metal and shoving it into the wheel. This takes off the residue and buildup of compound.
Works great but is a little work. Good luck.
 
You guys are killin me. Baking soda and warm water will remove staining on uv glass. Scrub it in with appropriate glass scrubber. I use it to clean cruddy looking tanks with calcium stains. It will probably work on reflectors, but I have never tried it. However, try using a softer acrylic scrubber pad on the reflector.

Let me know if this works.
 
JR719, sounds real good. I like the choices. My biggest advantage (one of the ONLY ones with my acrylic tank) is the euro bracing. It protects the endcaps and a lot of the splashing in general. Most of my creep is on the center of the reflector.

Thanks again JR719. I'll be trying it.

Russ
 
I'll warn you, the stuff is not "cheap". If you have a drill (as about everyone does) just find a cotton wheel around 6" with a mandril (to connect) and get to it. Don't spend too much time in one area. The more you heat the more material you take off. Not good. Hit it a little, wipe, then come back to it.
Good luck and it'l look new,
JR
 
i like the dremel with a buffing wheel. also maybe try vinegar baking soda water mixture with a green pad. not sure you want to try all kinds of chemicals.
 
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