Aluminum Threshold Restoration Process

[@MonicaDebbi]

Thank you so much for this very informative and cost saving information. You have done a great service by making this video.

[@ottdog1952]

Excellent video. Best on the topic of cleaning an aluminum threshold that I've seen on YT so far.

[@DIYHelp]

I have a new current recommended product to use that works very well and contains the acid needed for quick results. Its getting difficult to find old school cleaners to do this. AS of 11/5/23 "Aluminum Cleaner & Brightener" 860 by Duragloss. Is what you want. I got mine in USA at Advanced Auto Parts but did order ONLINE to get. Its a large 32 oz version and will last a long time.

[@dianemccabe9907]

That looks amazing!!! Thanks so much for sharing! Mine looks nasty! Had no idea how to clean it!!! Will be trying this out!!

[@TheJcfclark]

Glad someone else uses the word 'stoop'. When I talked to a contractor about fixing my front door 'stoop', he kept correcting me with the word "threshold". (Then he proceeded to try and sell me an entire new doorway -- frame, threshold, and door!)

[@drissaitbella1728]

Thanks for the tip, appreciate it

[@cfoz8612]

SOS pad does a real nice job as well without the acid

[@jdo333]

that looks good dude.....thank you

[@lebronjameslol3521]

I must be bored I dont even have a metal threshold. Looks good though, if I had a funky one Id give this a try lol

[@kingdomrunt]

😂

[@sdean4816]

Nice results..I’m going to be doing mine soon. Thanks for posting.

[@DIYHelp]

Good luck!

[@loveonthesky]

I used it and mine got stained, did I do something wrong? I left it for 20 minutes and it stained,thank you for your video

[@DIYHelp]

sounds like it was really dirty and sitting too long it "dried" up. I would just start over again but don't let it sit too long - just enough to give it some time to work but don't let it dry up. the aluminum can be classified as a bit porous for sure but generally stains can be cleaned off or polished off with metal polish. fine steel wool and elbow grease should help.

[@christoskylar2601]

You might want to consider including a cautionary note about how this technique can potentially harm and strip away the protective anodizing layer on the aluminum, exposing the raw metal beneath. While it might look good and shiny initially, it's important to note that this alteration won't maintain its integrity over time. The original anodizing layer served a crucial purpose, which shouldn't be overlooked.

[@1SapphireBlue]

Great job showing how do do this job. I was a little nervous when you used the cleaner right after using the acid. Could there have been a chemical reaction? It didn’t happen with your products but others may want to be sure about theirs. Great job!

[@DIYHelp]

its a very mild acid but I wiped it clean first. had no issues or chemical reactions.

[@joebal9044]

@@DIYHelp The cleaner is most likely is a high alkaline (high pH) cleaner, which would neutralize the acid.

[@tinaknutsen]

Question; what would you use to clean the aluminum frame around an old green schoolhouse style chalkboard? I took the frame off the chalkboard and tried to scrub with Soft Scrub bleach. It didn’t work. The dirts off🧐 It was given to me from a neighbor lady that had it hanging up under her carport for years. I sanded the whole blackboard front & back; primed, scuff sanded and 3 layers of chalkboard paint. I am hoping to get the aluminum frame looking better so I can put it up for my grandkids to draw on. Your threshold cleaning would be overkill. I am glad I came across your video…now I do want to clean mine as mine look worse than yours did. They came out looking new. I found you when searching how to clean an aluminum frame.

[@DIYHelp]

You can go to ace hardware and buy some aluminum cleaner in a bottle. Probably not acid based but I can’t remember. Alternatively fine steel wool with a little soapy water for lubricant. Test spots on the backside of course and see how it works. Worse case just clean and spray paint it.

[@dazeyknows6736]

Awesome

[@VocalEdgeTV]

Doing this today! Thank you.

[@VocalEdgeTV]

End it worked beautifully well. Absolutely great.

[@alecharper515]

Perfect. Thanks!👍🏼

[@djreaction1]

Great video man! What would one use for minor scuffs on the threshold?

[@DIYHelp]

You would have to remove material then polish back up if you have deep scratches. You will get a small depression doing this. Minor scuffs should go away though with the steel wool.

[@SomeIsBest]

I have a friend who had a beautiful new black door installed, and someone drug something across the threshold (the part you step on), scratching black paint off. What type of paint you reckon I should use to touch that single scratch up?

[@DIYHelp]

Thresholds normally are not painted for obvious reasons. I would use exterior paint with a brush. Not spray can. Maybe automotive touch up paint if you can find the right sheen. Or outdoor fence paint. I got some black wrought iron fence paint in a little bottle from an arts and crafts store. Works great and strong.

[@SomeIsBest]

@@DIYHelp those are awesome ideas. Thank you!

[@naekcm]

Steel unless stainless reacts with aluminum. Every information out there says dont use any metal against aluminum unless its stainless steel as it will react. Any thoughts on that.

[@DIYHelp]

You. An always use a rough scotch pad but I find the steel wool works better and faster. Because the steel is being used for cleaning and not staying or resting on the aluminum permanently I don’t think is a big deal. It’s a door threshold after all.

[@michaelirelandpersonalreal5637]

Great job and share thank you!

[@JakeBayCity]

How do you know if your threshold is clear coated?

[@DIYHelp]

It would scratch and peel up like hard paint. Realistically thresholds typically don’t have a coating on them as they would fail quickly. So do a test spot and check for damage.

[@smurfiennes]

Can I use vinegar instead?

[@DIYHelp]

Of course. It won’t hurt. It certainly won’t remove years of oxidation or work as quickly for sure but it won’t hurt. The wheel acid works great here and my kitchen stainless sink loves it also.

[@mrsincere4640]

What about one with thinset from old flooring?

[@DIYHelp]

It will need to be physically removed first by scraping or whatever. Soaking with a vinegar solution first may help loosen up.

[@charlottekathrine1625]

Did the job remove any of the pitting?

[@DIYHelp]

Pitting is probably corrosion. If you hit the steel wool hard enough you can probably minimize like sanding wood with sand paper. Might look worse though so try small spot first.

[@charlottekathrine1625]

@@DIYHelp Thank you very much!

[@plantboipeps231]

super helpful thank you

[@DIYHelp]

You're welcome!

[@garykazanjian824]

Should the threshold be clear coated afterward?

[@DIYHelp]

No. The paint will take the abuse of foot traffic and flake off. plus may make too slick when wet for safety. Some automotive wax might help protect a bit.

[@garykazanjian824]

@@DIYHelp Thank you!