Removing Anodized Finish.

[renaissance_man]

Does anyone have any experience removing an Anodized finish from Aluminium?

I read somewhere online that you can use Caustic Soda, but then contradictory posts in other forums said it would eat away the aluminium.

So far I've used an abrasive kitchen cleaner, sandpaper and a lot of elbow grease, but I'm coming to the parts of the piece where there is knurled detail and the above method is going to cause me to lose the knurling.

Anyone know of a reliable safe method for removing the anodized finish, I'd be really grateful for information or potential offers of services.

Thanks
Jamie

 

[Lichtbringer]

Give it to a company that does anodizing work, the process of de-anodizing is somehow related to anodizing (iirr).

 

[Nate08]

On RC truck parts normal practice is to use yellow can easy off oven cleaner. Soak for a few minutes, rinse off, check progress and repeat as needed depending on thickness of the anodizing. Dont leave it unattended as it can pit the aluminum if left on too long.

 

[Ace Replicas]

Jamie,

If your pieces are done with a Type I-Chromic Acid Anodize which is used just for coloring it will come off pretty easy in a sandblast cabinet using glass bead. If they are done in a Type III Hard Anodize or Hardcoat getting it off with out wearing down the surrounding area will be near impossible using any type of abrasives. Type III is to the tune of 70 on the Rockwell hardness scale ( that’s in the same ballpark as tungsten carbide).

Hope this helps...


Michael

 

[renaissance_man]

I've put out enquiries with a few companies, I'll see what they come back with.
Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[RFrench]

On RC truck parts normal practice is to use yellow can easy off oven cleaner. Soak for a few minutes, rinse off, check progress and repeat as needed depending on thickness of the anodizing. Dont leave it unattended as it can pit the aluminum if left on too long.

Have done this numerous times in the past for Rc heli parts. This works like a charm!

 

[Bowelrock]

Lye works as well.

 

[robstyle]

Doesnt need to be Easy Off oven cleaner, even the dollar store oven cleaner will work. Use thick rubber gloves and dont breath it in though. If you soak it in a small cup and hit it with a tooth brush it helps speed things up. Have some metal polish or protestant on hand. Youll need to wash the part in warm soap and water then protect/polish the metal directly afterwards.

 

[renaissance_man]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, I would use Yellow Can Easy Off, but unfortunately I can't get it here in the UK.
Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[brimst0ne13]

well i wont be able to do any anodize removal. i dont have any protestants handy. just catholics round here. XD

but ya, a PROTECTANT is vital because your unprotected aluminum may corrode.

 

[Confusius]

On another forum I frequent they use a product called 'greased lightning', I don't know if it's a acidic or alkali based cleaning product (both will work for aluminium).

It works very well apparently, even for knurling.

Mmmmmm - Shiny (Ano removal on DRY, others) | BudgetLightForum.com

You could also use a sink cleaning agent lige Drano, or a diluted solution of Sodium Hydroxide if you can get it. Just keep an eye on it while it reacts, otherwise it will all be gone eventually. Safety goggles and rubber gloves are a good idea, and work in a well ventilated area.
When you have achieved your desired effect, just rinse the part propperly.

 

[renaissance_man]

I'm not really sure which Greased Lightning they are referring to, a quick Google UK shopping search gave me various results, mostly leather and glass cleaners.

Anyone in the UK know of some good products to shift the tough Anodized finish. From the Streamlight website "Durable and abrasion-resistant machined aluminum construction with Type II Mil-Spec anodized finish"
Ideally I would like to keep the Knurl detail on the penlight.