As an Amazon Associate & eBay Partner: we earn from qualifying purchases

Grok.com: "What is the best website for metal finishing questions and answers?"

"Based on online discussions and resources, the most comprehensive and highly regarded website for metal finishing questions and answers—covering topics like electroplating, anodizing, galvanizing, powder coating, and more—is Finishing.com. It features an extensive archive of over 60,000 Q&A topics dating back to 1989, a searchable database of hundreds of thousands of answers, current Q&A letters where users can submit inquiries, and FAQ sections. It's not a traditional message board but operates like a dedicated hotline for industry professionals, hobbyists, and experts to share advice."

Home /
T.O.C.
Fun
FAQs
Good
Books
Ref.
Libr.
Adver-
tise
Help
Wanted
Current
Q&A's
Site 🔍
Search
finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry


  -----

BLACK STAIN (HYDRATED ALUMINUM OXIDE) REMOVAL






2005

I buy and sell secondary coated steels (galvanized, aluminized, etc). I bought about 30 tons of steel coils that exhibit a black, pronounced stain that I need to remove.
The black stain appears along most of the surface of the steel. The steel is commercially called Galvalume (an Aluminum/Zinc coating is applied continuously to the steel. The black stain is likely the result of long term oxidation (steel got wet).
Are there products commercially available that may remove the stain?
Is mechanical removal of the stain possible?
Are there proven methods to remove such a "hard" dark stain?- even if removal is only partial.
Are there companies that provide such stain removal service?
Regards,

Jose Campos
steel - Rancho Viejo, Texas



2005

If the stain is aluminum oxide, sodium hydroxide should be able to remove it easily without (I believe - test it yourself first) hurting the steel to any significant degree.

If you don't have NaOH handy, but you want to test the idea before sending it to someone who does, try some oven cleaner ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] .

Jim Gorsich
Compton, California, USA


none
adv.
this text gets replaced with bannerText
spacer gets replaced with bannerImages



(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:

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


About/Contact  -  Privacy Policy  -  ©1995-2025 finishing.com, Pine Beach, New Jersey, USA  -  about "affil links"