Cleaning Diamond Plate

[Jmreim]

Have diamond plate on my engine room floor and it's a bit grimy from 10+ years of oil changes, engine/genset work, etc. I've had the boat for 2+ years, haven't really done anything to clean it but it's time to try (I've removed a few plates).

Anyone have a product or process they've successfully used? Assume step 1 is to scrub them clean with something that'll remove the accumulated grime - just not sure what to use for that. And then is there a step 2? I don't need a sparkling clean/shiny engine room floor - just want to improve the look and feel.

Thx -
Jim

 

[Comodave]

I like Extreme Simple Green. I use it for general cleaning. It works better than Simple Green. It is made for cleaning aircraft. You can dilute it but I usually use it straight.

 

[DWJensen]

Have diamond plate on my engine room floor and it's a bit grimy from 10+ years of oil changes, engine/genset work, etc. I've had the boat for 2+ years, haven't really done anything to clean it but it's time to try (I've removed a few plates).

Anyone have a product or process they've successfully used? Assume step 1 is to scrub them clean with something that'll remove the accumulated grime - just not sure what to use for that. And then is there a step 2? I don't need a sparkling clean/shiny engine room floor - just want to improve the look and feel.

Thx -
Jim

What're yours made of? I have aluminum dp in my er and Simple Green and/or Dawn & warm water with a scrub brush work well. I've never done a 2nd step.

 

[Portage_Bay]

I took care of an engine room with aluminum diamond plate for many years.

If the grime is mainly oily residue attack it first with paint thinner, mineral spirits. A stiff brush then wipe with rags. This may be all that's needed. That will leave a slight film. Next I use any handy cleaner. Old skool amonia based window cleaner will work. You won't have volumes of rinse water to deal with.

If the paint cleaner didn't get enough off next move onto simple green and the like.

Once you get it squared away keep it up with the window cleaner.

 

[Pascall]

I use this product on a drill and this is the result, the front aluminium plate is not yet treated the back two aluminium plates in the picture are treated, see the difference.
Disadvantage, it gives a lot of black dust.

 

[Jmreim]

I like Extreme Simple Green. I use it for general cleaning. It works better than Simple Green. It is made for cleaning aircraft. You can dilute it but I usually use it straight.

All great recommendations - thx!

 

[twistedtree]

I have struggled with this. Best results were with Spray Nine degreaser, a small bristle brush, and circular motion so you are scrubbing all sides of each deck imprint.

 

[ELL-KAT]

Have diamond plate on my engine room floor and it's a bit grimy from 10+ years of oil changes, engine/genset work, etc. I've had the boat for 2+ years, haven't really done aure what to use for that. And then is there a step 2? I don't need a sparkling clean/shiny engine room floor - just want to improve the look and feel.

Thx -
Jim

Rent a steam cleaner

 

[Moon]

I removed the aluminum diamond plate from my engine room and had it blasted and powered coated white. It looks great and was reasonable to do. If you are in the Cocoa, FL area I have the right guy for the job. Top notch and reasonable. It looks so good I want to replace everything else!

 

[Jmreim]

I removed the aluminum diamond plate from my engine room and had it blasted and powered coated white. It looks great and was reasonable to do. If you are in the Cocoa, FL area I have the right guy for the job. Top notch and reasonable. It looks so good I want to replace everything else!

Wow! Looks terrific but we're not in FL. Thx

 

[Moon]

Wow! Looks terrific but we're not in FL. Thx

I would still consider getting it powder coated from a local vendor. My vendor powder coats all types of things. Boat parts are only a small part of his business. If you can remove them it can be done.

 

[Jmreim]

Rent a steam cleaner

I like this idea so I don't have to remove all the plates - just not certain the steam will clean it well enough?

 

[Rsysol]

Have diamond plate on my engine room floor and it's a bit grimy from 10+ years of oil changes, engine/genset work, etc. I've had the boat for 2+ years, haven't really done anything to clean it but it's time to try (I've removed a few plates).

Anyone have a product or process they've successfully used? Assume step 1 is to scrub them clean with something that'll remove the accumulated grime - just not sure what to use for that. And then is there a step 2? I don't need a sparkling clean/shiny engine room floor - just want to improve the look and feel.

Thx -
Jim

Not an answer specifically, but we use those connectable exercise mats on top of my diamond plate. Cheap, easy to install and easy on the knees. Throw them out when dirty and start over.

https://a.co/d/6FSrqKJ

 

[Jmreim]

Not an answer specifically, but we use those connectable exercise mats on top of my diamond plate. Cheap, easy to install and easy on the knees. Throw them out when dirty and start over.

https://a.co/d/6FSrqKJ

It would be easy on the knees and look nice. Is it OK to use High-density EVA foam in an engine room (fire hazard)?

 

[Rsysol]

From the description I googled: These interlocking HD foam workout tiles are non-toxic, waterproof, impact absorbent, insulating, fire-retardant & help soundproofing.

So I’m going to say ok to use IMHO.

 

[johnma]

This might sound silly, but, I spent 6 years in the navy working in the engine room on various ships from ammunition, destroyers to aircraft carriers. The only thing we used to clean deck plates was Coca Cola. Pour it on let it sit, then with a very stiff brush go to work on it.

 

[dhays]

Not an answer specifically, but we use those connectable exercise mats on top of my diamond plate. Cheap, easy to install and easy on the knees. Throw them out when dirty and start over.

https://a.co/d/6FSrqKJ

I did the same with something similar. It makes crawling around the engine much more comfortable, even though I always use a pair of knee pads.

 

[Comodave]

I had some old pads that I got at woodcraft. I cut them to fit the area. Black so they don’t show dirt and softer on my old knees than the diamond plate they cover.