FAQs

SHARKHIDE ALUMINUM CLEANER FAQ

Q: Will SHARKHIDE Aluminum Cleaner put a "shine" back on my old stained aluminum?

A: No it will not. As a matter of fact, no acid based aluminum cleaner, no matter what brand, will put a "shine" back on old aluminum. The factory finish on all aluminum (unless polished) is known as the "Mill Finish". This nice shiny silver color is a bi product of the process used in the mills to roll aluminum ingots into sheet form. Once this finish is gone, it can NEVER be re produced.

Q: What kind of finish will SHARKHIDE Aluminum Cleaner leave?

A: That depends on how strong you mix it. When mixed at a weaker ratio, about 10 to 1 or so, it will slowly remove slight stains and oxidation leaving a fairly shiny finish assuming that the original mill finish still exists. But when mixed at a strong ratio, up to about 4 to 1, SHARKHIDE Aluminum Cleaner will bleach aluminum to a uniform off white finish. 

Q: What if I don't want the "Off White" look on my aluminum?

A: There are a few things you can do. Use a coarse Scotch-Brite pad and a trickle of water and rub in small tight circles. This will leave a soft shine like "brushed Aluminum". Or you can use SHARKHIDE Metal Polish and bring your aluminum to a mirror like reflective finish.

Q: Will Sharkhide Aluminum Cleaner remove moss and algae?

A: No. When cleaning a boat hull, use a pressure washer and a #2 (10 deg) tip to first "Cut off" the moss and algae while it's still wet. Then go back and scrub off any residue with a coarse Scotch-Brite pad and a garden hose. Now your ready to apply SHARKHIDE Aluminum Cleaner.

Q: How do I apply SHARKHIDE Aluminum Cleaner?

A: It's best applied with a quart "Trigger" type spray bottle. Use one that has an adjustable nozzle that can be set down to a very fine mist. Using a garden sprayer or pressure washer to apply will just use more cleaner than needed.

Q: Will SHARKHIDE Aluminum Cleaner harm my paint or decals?

A: No it won't. Although we can't possibly test our product on every type of paint and vinyl used today, we can say that in over twelve years of our customers using SHARKHIDE Aluminum Cleaner, we have not had one single instance of damage reported due to the cleaner. But still test a small out of the way spot to be sure.

Q: Will it harm bunks or carpet on boat trailers?

A: No it won't. Just be sure to rinse it well when done cleaning. Like with paint and decals, we have not had a single reported instance of damage to bunks or carpet in the twelve years we've offered our cleaner.

Q: Is SHARKHIDE Aluminum Cleaner dangerous to use?

A: Any brand of "acid based" cleaner, including Sharkhide Aluminum Cleaner can be dangerous to use if you don't understand or follow the directions for safe use. ALWAYS use rubber gloves and eye protection when using. Also wear long sleeves and pants to avoid skin contact. And NEVER breathe the fumes of ANY type of aluminum cleaners.

Q: Should I be concerned about the run off?

A: In most cases, the amount of cleaner used the project is such a small amount that when rinsed it's so drastically diluted that there's no concern. But if in doubt, check with local authorities about acceptable levels in the run of.

SHARKHIDE ALUMINUM POLISH FAQ

Q: Is metal polish and wax the same thing?

A: No. Wax is simply a coating left on a on a surface to temporarily protect it from the elements. Metal Polish is a compound designed to remove a microscopic thin layer of the surface material and leave a flat, reflective surface.

SHARKHIDE BLACK STREAK REMOVER FAQ

Q: Will Sharkhide Black Streak Remover take the dark streaks and stains off bare aluminum?
A: No it won't. You'll need a different product like Sharkhide Aluminum Cleaner for that.

Q: What type of surface will Sharkhide Black Streak Remover work on?
A: It's effective on Pre Painted Aluminum panels, Fiberglass panels, FRP (fiberglass reinforced plywood) panels, as well as some plastics.

Q: Is Sharkhide Black Streak Remover safe on all pre painted finishes?
A: Yes it is. However, on extremely dead and oxidized painted finishes use caution. The paint is so thin due to years of weathering and exposure, it can 
sometimes be completely wiped off and expose the bare aluminum. Always test a small inconspicuous area first.

Q: How much Black Streak Remover will I need?
A: For smaller jobs like Utility Trailers, Pontoon Boats, and such, a quart is usually enough. For larger Trailers, Campers, Motor Homes, and House 
Boats, two quart's to a gallon is normally enough.

Q: Is there a temperature range I should use Sharkhide Black streak remover in?
A: YES! Sharkhide Black Streak Remover is ONLY EFFECTIVE AT TEMPERATURES ABOVE 72 DEGREES

Q: Do I need to do anything to the surface before I can apply Sharkhide Black Streak Remover?
A: All you need to do is wipe the surface off with a dry Terri Cloth Towel before you apply it.

  
Q: How much Sharkhide Black Streak Remover should I apply?
A: All you need to do is use a very small amount and lightly mist the stain. 

Q: How large an area do I mist at a time?
A: Only mist very small areas at a time, because you NEVER want the Sharkhide Black Streak Remover to dry. 


Q: How long should I let the stain soak?
A: It works best if you let the stain soak for ten to fifteen seconds. You may need to mist it a couple of times to be sure it doesn't dry out.


Q: How should I remove Sharkhide Black Streak Remover after I've let it soak?
A: You can simply wipe the stain away with a dry Teri Cloth towel, or hit it with a soft bristle brush and rinse with water.

Q: Can I apply Sharkhide Black Streak Remover in any weather?
A: No. It's best to apply when the surfaces are dry.

SHARKHIDE METAL PROTECTANT FAQ

Q: What type of metal will SHARKHIDE work on?
A: SHARKHIDE can be applied to Aluminum, Polished Aluminum, Diamond Plate, Copper, Brass, Steel, 
Stainless Steel, or any other metal you want to prevent from staining and discoloring.

Q: Can you see SHARKHIDE once it's applied?
A: SHARKHIDE is virtually invisible on any metal surface other than a high polished surface. On a high polish finish, 
SHARKHIDE when wiped on, can sometimes leave a slight rainbow sheen, like on a soap bubble. This will some what 
lessen with a second coat and it also tends to diminish with time. 

Q: Will SHARKHIDE work on painted surfaces?
A: Yes, SHARKHIDE can be applied to dull painted surfaces that are beginning to get chalky and oxidized. SHARKHIDE will prevent the chalky finish from 
returning as well as bring back a rich shiny finish.

Q: Can SHARKHIDE be used on Fiberglass?
A: Yes, SHARKHIDE restores the appearance of old faded Gel Coat as well as sealing it off so it won't take on a permanent water line.

Q: Will Sunlight cause SHARKHIDE to yellow?
A: NO! SHARKHIDE will not EVER yellow or discolor.

Q: What will SHARKHIDE protect against?
A: SHARKHIDE will protect your surfaces from water (fresh, salt, brackish), acid rain, salt spray, humidity, alkaline, soot, and all road deicers (known at this time).

Q: Will SHARKHIDE keep Moss and Algae from growing on my boat hull?
A: NO!!! SHARKHIDE is a metal protectant, NOT an "Anti Fouling" bottom paint. 

Q: How long will the average application last?
A: On things like Motorcycles, Street Rods, Aircraft and other things that see limited fair weather use, it's not uncommon to get 6 or more years of protection 
between coats. On heavily used things like Big rigs, Dump trailers, Fire and Rescue equipment, you may need to re coat every 1 to 4 years. On boats that are kept 
on the trailer, or on a lift, it's not uncommon to get 3 to 5 years of protection. If you leave your boat in the slip all season long, from the water line down, it may last 
a month, or it may last a couple of years. There are just too many variables such as water conditions and content, as well as severity of marine growth etc. 
But from the water line up, you can expect the same protection as any other boat.

Q: How do I apply SHARKHIDE?
A: SHARKHIDE can be applied by wipe, spray, brush, or dip, depending on the surface texture and desired finish. Generally speaking, for a smooth finish, 
the preferred method is to wipe it on. 

Q: What type of cloth should I use to wipe SHARKHIDE on?
A: A WHITE COTTON BABY DIAPER is the best cloth for the job.

Q: Can I use other items to wipe on SHARKHIDE?
A: Since we've not tested all other types of applicators, we can only tell you to avoid the following things. Lint, textures (such as Teri Cloth, or Micro Fibers), 
dyes, detergent residue, dry cleaning chemicals, sponges or any thing else that will leave anything behind in the SHARKHIDE clear coat. Since a Cotton Baby  
Diaper has none of these properties, why not stick to that? 

Q: Can I use a spray bottle or garden sprayer to apply?
A: No, they will not sufficiently atomize the SHARKHIDE and it will create runs.

Q: Can I spray SHARKHIDE on with an automotive type spray gun?
A: Yes, but SHARKHIDE is difficult to spray due to its thin viscosity as well as it's very rapid dry time. Practice setting your gun on a scrap piece of metal 
so it doesn't leave dry streaks, or runs before you try it on your project.

Q: What temperature is it safe to apply SHARKHIDE?
A: SHARKHIDE can be applied at any temperature. Keep in mind however, the cooler the temperature, the longer it takes to dry, so it has more time to flow out 
leaving a smoother finish. So in other words, you'll get a better finish at 50 degrees, than at 90 degrees.

Q: Can I apply SHARKHIDE in the sun?
A: Yes you can, but keep in mind, although it may be a cool 65 degree day, the metals surface temperature may be 90 degrees or higher. So try to avoid direct 
sunlight if at all possible

Q: How fast will SHARKHIDE dry?
A: SHARKHIDE will dry to the touch in about 60 to 90 seconds in 75 degree temperatures. Faster in warmer temperatures, and slower in colder temperatures.

Q: Should I put a second coat on?
A: Although not required, we strongly recommend at least two coats. Since SHARKHIDE is a clear liquid, it's very easy to miss spots. With a second coat, 
it's virtually impossible to miss the same spot twice.

Q: Can I put more than two coats of SHARKHIDE on?
A: Yes, you can put 3 or more coats on since SHARKHIDE is such a thin film. You can't put too many on.

Q: How soon can I put a second coat on?

A: You can put a second coat on immediately, however, it's better if you'll allow the SHARKHIDE to "Cure" first before a second coat.

Q: What is "Cure Time"?
A: Although SHARKHIDE dries to the touch in just a few seconds, there's still solvents evaporating out of the finish. This can take as little as 2 or 3 hours, 
or as long as 24 or more hours depending on temperature and humidity.

Q: Why let SHARKHIDE cure before a second coat?
A: If you allow SHARKHIDE to "Cure" Before you re coat, the second coat will not have enough time to dissolve the first, leaving you with a double build up, 
which means longer protection time between re coating.

Q: Do I need to sand or prep the first coat before applying the second?
A: No. There is no preparation needed before you apply a second coat. SHARKHIDE is "Self Etching" (melts and blends into the first coat) so it will blend into 
your first coat without layers or seams. 

Q: Do I need to remove the first SHARKHIDE application before I reapply years later?
A: No. All you need to do is wash the surface with warm soap and water, rinse, dry, and apply the new coat. 

Q: How do I maintain my SHARKHIDE finish?
A: Simply use a mild warm soap and water solution just as you would on your car. 

Q: What products will harm my SHARKHIDE finish?
A: Any petroleum based product like gasoline, solvents, thinners, or any other product's that contain petroleum's, such as waxes and polish's. Also some acid's 
and certain cleaners. Since it's absolutely impossible to test all product's for their effects on SHARKHIDE, don't apply anything other than a mild soap 
solution and you shouldn't have any problems.

Q: What can I do to remove SHARKHIDE?
A: SHARKHIDE can be easily removed with Lacquer Thinner no matter how long it's been on a surface.

Q: How do I remove SHARKHIDE from a small area?
A: Simply saturate a cloth or paper towel with Lacquer Thinner and scrub it off.

Q: How about removing SHARKHIDE from a large area?
A: Put Lacquer Thinner in a quart spray bottle, set the spray nozzle to a fine spray, and concentrate the spray in about a two foot area. Continuously spray the 
area without allowing the thinner to evaporate. Once the SHARKHIDE softens and turns to a jell, swipe it away with paper towels