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Removing Anodizing from Aluminum

How or what would I use to remove the anodized finish from aluminum trim for my classic Chevy. It has yellowed and I want to repolish it then I won't recoat it since the car sees very little weather and I don't mind periodic polishing.

Terry Ellis
- Newport, TN
2003

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I don't think that plan will work, Terry. Aluminum will oxidize very quickly, and I think you will have to either anodize it or clearcoat it. Home chemicals like oven cleaner ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] and lye will remove the anodized finish, but they also dissolve aluminum, so they are not ideal from a performance viewpoint, as well as being very dangerous to use (a drop of lye in your eye and you're blind, for example).

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
(Ted can offer longterm or instant help)
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003

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Anodising is just a way of creating a very controlled layer of aluminium oxide. If aluminium is left to its own devices it will do it by itself, but in not such a consistent manner. I would strongly advise that if you want the trim to look good, take it to a professional anodiser and get the job done properly. It will not only save you time and effort, but it will make the car look good too.

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
2003

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