Letter 41031

How does one harmlessly clean adhesive from a [dyed] anodized aluminum surface? [Ohio] 

June 7, 2006

We make loudspeakers that incorporate aluminum extrusions. Naturally, some adhesive becomes smudged onto the appearance surfaces during assembly.

What solvents can be used to remove adhesive from a dyed anodized aluminum surface that was sealed using nickel acetate plus hot water without damaging the seal? Xylene and MEK work well on the adhesive, but seem to leave the surface looking hazy or lightened, whether it is dyed or clear. Pretty sure hexane or heptane would work, but have not yet tried them. Also have not tried any chloro or chloro-fluorocarbons.

David Janszen
loudspeaker company - Columbus, OH, USA

Acetone [link is to product info at Rockler]should work just fine.

Marc Green anodizer - Boise, ID, USA

Acetone will leach (lighten-not bleach) several organic dyes.

James Watts
- FL

Thanks, Mark. That does work. I may also wind up with a bit of cured epoxy that I'd want to get rid of. What about pushing my luck with an epoxy remover that says right on it, "Not suitable for aluminum or zinc"? It smells like methylene chloride. Will the anodization hold up?

David Janszen
- Columbus, OH, USA

Thanks, James.. I was not aware of that. Is that the case with even a well sealed coating? With the fast evaporation of acetone, I couldn't imagine it effecting any well sealed dyed coating. But then again, I haven't done any dyed anodizing for almost 8 years.

Marc Green anodizer - Boise, ID, USA

Theoretically, all of the solvents mentioned above WILL WORK if the anodizing is COMPLETELY sealed. That said, we have to admit, that most shops do not control their seal well enough to get a "complete" seal. In other words, acetone will work without leaching, again, if the seal is complete. That is one of the test for a complete seal.And most of those so-called "cold" seals are not "complete".

Robert H Probert Robert H Probert Technical Services Garner, NC, USA Editor's note:        Mr. Probert is the    author of Aluminum How-To

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