I have aquired a really old aluminum 12ft jon boat that is in serious need of a cosmetic makeover. It has alot of water stains inside and out from being on the water so long and the inside has also held water for a while it seems. Just wondering what type of detergent or what,  I need to use to make the aluminum surface shiny again or prepare it for painting? Repainting it army green seems to be the best solution for now.

Sandpaper & Water  

I ended up using some aluminum mag wheel cleaner and a brass wire brush. It smells lika a light acid mixture. It made the aluminum shine like new. Going to Sherman Williams today to see what type of primer and paint I need.

ask lbh what kind of primer and paint to use. smart guy. he'll hook you up.

Here you go

12' jon restore thread

LBH has good ideas, just look at his boat. You don't want the aluminum surface shiny, scuffed up so the primer will adhere. There is a product called XIM Flash Bond, a couple of coats and scuff it up with a Scotch Brite pad and paint, I have painted glass after using this stuff and never had any problem.

Took a good look at LBHs Jon boat thread posted above. Very Impressive!!! Definately gave me some good ideas to work with. The undercoating {Rhinoliner} is a great idea and a must have for the boat that Im working on considering its current condition. I didnt know this stuff existed in a can. The local autozone store here stocks it. Appreciate all the input from everyone. It will take me forever to read through all the info on this website.