No registration or passwords; no pop-up ads -- just aloha, fun, & answers.
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate earns from qualifying purchases).
Home /
T.O.C.
Fun
FAQs
Good
Books
Ref.
Libr.
Advertise
 
Help
Wanted
Current
Q&A's
Site 🔍
Search
pub  Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989



-----

Removing rust stains on anodized aluminum





We have anodized aluminum soffit panels that were incorrectly stored prior to installation. They have lines of rust staining on them from the storage racks. These soffit panels are at the 2nd floor level and are highly visible. The building owner has been patient for three years whilst attempts have been made to solve the problem with mild cleaners. These have all failed. Are there any products that can be used to remove the rust stains

Clifford A Bury
curtainwalls - Yuen Long, New Territories, Hong Kong
2003



2003

Dear Clifford,

Firstly let me tell you about anodized Aluminium. I apologies if you know this already. Anodizing of Aluminium produces a layer of Al2O3 to varying thicknesses depending on requirements. Aluminium will oxidize naturally in air and produce a very thin layer of oxide. This natural layer will stop any more corrosion (not rust), in the natural environment. Anodizing produces a much thicker layer of the oxide, giving a much harder or durable finish for different applications.

During storage it sounds like the Anodized oxide layer has been removed and the natural thin layer has taken its place.

This is why you can see this difference in the finish. Unfortunately I don't think there is much you can do about this apart from strip and re-anodize.

This is my first impression from the information you gave. A close up photo may help me to confirm or discredit my initial thought.

Regards
Jonathan

Jonathan Timms
- Hong Kong



Hi, Please can you tell me if aluminium sheeting will rust if used to make a garden feature and left outdoors.

Thank you

Joanne Rhoden
- Darwen, Lancashire, UK
May 7, 2011



Hi, Joanne. Two things:

Aluminum can't ever "rust" because rust is the red-brown corrosion product of iron, and aluminum has no iron in it; but it can develop white corrosion. Second, everything with the possible exception of gold and precious metals eventually corrodes. But I think aluminum will prove reasonably stable as a garden feature. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, finishing.com
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
May 8, 2011




(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories:

 
Jobshops
Capital
Equipment
Chemicals &
Consumables
Consult'g, Train'g
& Software


About/Contact  -  Privacy Policy  -  ©1995-2024 finishing.com, Pine Beach, New Jersey, USA  -  about "affil links"