Michael, I've seen Snowmobile parts re coated using a process called Powder-coating. From what I've seen the seems to be a very durable coating and is done by body or paint shops. I just now searched with Yahoo and found some categories specific to the process.

This past spring, all the rage at my yacht club was an aluminum cleaning solution discovered at local hardware stores. It's called "aluminum restorer" or some such thing (not the 3M product), and it comes in a white plastic bottle (about quart size, if memory serves). It goes on like naval jelly, except this stuff really works. You'll need rubber gloves, a scotch-brite or similar rough scouring pad, and a source of water. I did two passes of my mast, which took about two or three hours (with interruptions). When I started, my mast looked like it hadn't ever been cleaned (since 1978). When I was finished, the mast was shiny. Still is. Best of all, the restorer stuff is a lot cheaper than "boat" products.
I'll find out the name and pass it along.
Matt Wolford

In the interest of spiffing up Deliverance to improve her sales value/appearance, I should like to clean the 1978 mast, which is now a pretty dull grey. Would like to get the benefit of experience of listers who have cleaned their masts. Would like comments on methods; I'm presently thinking about:
a. Wet sanding, say 220 followed by 400 grit, or scotchbrite
b. Rubbing compound
c. A 3M product called "Marine Aluminum Restorer & Polish" (anybody used it?)
d. Buffing with a polishing compound
e. Paste wax
Better alternatives to the above?
Mast will be unshipped for the winter, in a month or so.
Thanks, Bill - Deliverance C&C 34 #2 1978

Bill: - That aluminum cleaning stuff that I used was called "Aluminum Brightener," and cost $3.99 US for a 16 oz. bottle. I think I used three bottles for two passes of the mast. I called the True Value Hardware Store where I bought the stuff, and they said that the manufacturer is "Birnie Shine" (phonetic spelling). If you need the correct spelling, let me know. I'll go buy some more for next spring.
The one thing that I did not do, and that I may do as a follow-up, is put some wax or something on the mast to keep it clean. This is something that you may want to consider. Perhaps the other listers have ideas.
Based on the description of the project that the other lister described (two weekends of moving fittings, sanding, and painting), I'd try this stuff first. I think you'll be impressed. You can sit at your club eating lunch with a clean mast (and a smile on your face), and let somebody else deal with taps breaking in the mast while re-tapping holes for 20 year old fittings.
Good luck. - Matt Wolford

Matt, - Wow, that sounds just like what i hoped would emerge from this august group!! worth the price of admission all by its self. Really appreciate the lead and hope you come up with the product name. By the by, did you preserve the clean finish after cleaning with paste wax?
Thanks, Bill

It's called "aluminum restorer" or some such thing (not the 3M product), and it comes in a white plastic bottle (about quart size, if memory serves). It goes on like naval jelly, except this stuff really works. You'll need rubber gloves, a scotch-brite or similar rough scouring pad, and a source of water. I did two passes of my mast, which took about two or three hours.

I've received 16 oz of Burnieshine Aluminum Brightener which I'm happy to see is an acid cleaning product. I appreciate the words of caution from some of the listers; intend to use it very carefully and to keep it away from rigging, other than the mast. Hope to be able to retain any residual so that it doesn't get into the environment. I'll probably use the spinnaker pole or reaching strut to test methods and precautions before I go after the mast.
source info:
Burnishine Products
1100 LAKESIDE DRIVE, GURNEE, ILLINOIS, USA, 60031
PHONE 800-837-8140 or 847-263-3500 FAX 847-263-3500
EMAIL burnishine@aol.com
Took a little over a week for delivery after a phone inquiry. $9 + including shipping for 16 ozs.
Again, thanks. - Bill