Facing the task of conditioning or refurbishing an aluminium alloy mast and boom, I am interested to know what others have done and any useful relevant advice. My spars show some surface corrosion, but not pitting. The appearance is similar to aluminium that has shed a painted surface of some sort. Am aware that some alum. spars are painted, possibly powder coated and others anodised, no doubt some are not surface treated at all. Beyond a simple soap suds wash-down to restore to a pristine surface (if necessary at all?), I am contemplating a light buff using a fine grit wet-dry paper. This may be inadvisable particularly if the surface was anodised originally, for obvious reasons. I have also heard that a wax of some form may be applied, after a good brush wash, to protect against weathering. Powder coating sounds ideal but maybe impractical or too expensive. Do you have any pearls of wisdom to share for a cleanup/protect/spruce-up of alum. spars? Thank you, Nautique.