Letter 8059

Polishing anodized aluminum 

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Can anyone please help me. I purchased an old truck with lots of anodized aluminum trim that is oxidized & very dull. Is there any way to polish it? I called some shops, but they want alot of money to re-anodize it. Even if I can get it cleaned up somewhat I would appreciate it.

Thank you.

Dennis DeChamplain
- Clarkston, MI, USA

Anodized aluminum is actually a thin layer of oxidized aluminum that is sealed and is usually colored. To clean up the aluminum, have the local job shops just strip the old anodizing (sodium hydroxide then a desmut) or just use some sand-paper #400 grit then #600-800 then #1200-1800 grit and clear it.

Josh Sonju
- Kalispell, MT, USA

Dennis,

Faded and dull anodized metal can be easily refinished with Everbrite Protective Coating. It is an easy to apply, clear coating that can be sprayed or simply wiped on once you clean the metal. I wiped it on the anodized window extrusions on my home 5 years ago and they still look new.

Hope this helps

Teresa Sedmak Everbrite, Inc.     Reno, Nevada

Ref;polishing trim...

There is not a simple way of doing what I think you desire unless you are familiar with high speed polishing. Sand paper will not cut it unless you want the curviture to change, refilming it is not going to give you a polished mirrowed finish.

Jonathan Smith
- Eastman, GA, USA

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