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Q&As since 1989


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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] 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
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