Maintenance

STAINLESS STEEL CARE
Austenitic Stainless Steels as used in Marine applications, contrary to popular beliefs, are not completely free from corrosion attack. The degree of surface oxidation is directly affected by local atmosphere and saltwater concentrations. All metals are subject to corrosion in some environments. The choice then is one of economics or optimum performance. Gold would be an exceptional material, but...practicality leads us to the non-magnetic High Chrome - Nickel grades of Stainless Steels. These alloys in the Wrought condition have proven to be the most versatile in the "Above Water" Marine environments. Many factors contribute to corrosion and the protection from corrosion. The most noteworthy is the special characteristic that Stainless Steel has in its ability to form its own anti-corrosive coating, through an adherent oxide passive film. This natural resistance can only be accomplished in a clean, contaminant free and oxygen present surface.

Our most helpful recommendation then is to give your Stainless Steel Hardware the same attention you would other materials on your boat. Regular fresh water washing with a mild abrasive cleaner will keep your Stainless bright and beautiful and should last far beyond the life of the boat.

ALWAYS

• Clean stainless frequently with soap and water. Any cleaner safe for glass is usually safe for stainless.
• Remove rust spots as soon as possible with a brass, silver or chrome cleaner. Irreversible pitting will develop under rust that remains on stainless for any period of time.
• Use a cleaner, like a good car wax, for added beauty and protection.
  

NEVER

• Use coarse abrasives like sandpaper or steel wool on stainless. These may actually cause rusting.
• Clean with mineral acids or bleaches.
• Leave stainless in contact with iron, steel or other metals which cause contamination leading to rust or corrosion.

ANODIZED ALUMINUM CARE
The anodized aluminum used in the construction of your Hardtops and T-Tops frames (Marine application), is the finest available and is designed to marine specifications to enhance quality and performance. However, the marine environment is still one of the harshes conditions on Earth. We at G.G. Schmitt & Sons offer the following recommendations that may extend the llife of your aluminum hardware. Wash it often to keep contaminates from forming or building up! Use extra care and maintenance when cleaning the tubing directly beneath the Hardtop or T-Top Canvas or Radar Arches. The aluminum tubing in these areas does not receive the natural rinsing of rainwater, plus the area is shielded from the sun and usually does not dry completely or quickly as the rest of the frame. If the underside is overlooked it may result in staining or pitting. Our most helpful recommendation is to give your anodized aluminum hardware the same attention you would other materials on your boat. Regular fresh water washing with a mild dishwashing liquid will keep your anodized aluminum bright and beautiful.

ALWAYS

• Clean often, and do it thoroughly. Wash often to keep contaminates from forming or building up.
• Clean anodized aluminum with mild soap and water, soft towel or sponge is recommended.
• Rinse thoroughly and completely with direct fresh water. The important point is to clean and rinse your anodized aluminum well.
• When using metal protection products be sure they are formulated for anodized aluminum.
  

NEVER

• Use bleach or chlorides. They have a tendency to leach on the aluminum, which could lead to staining and pitting.
• Use abrasive cleaning products. Never use steel or brass wool, wire brushes, polishing wheels, rubbing or polishing compounds. These items will remove the anodizing and lead to pitting.
• Use concentrated alkaline base solutions, many detergents fall into this category.
  

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