Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Anodizing JB Weld? Rereanodizing?

August 1, 2011

Hi,

Is it possible to anodize J-B Weld [affil links]? I have a piece of aluminum that may have some JB Weld on it. Will the JB Weld take the color?

Also, what happens when you anodize an already anodized piece? The piece in question is hollow and the interior is anodized in black however the exterior is bare aluminum. Not concerned with the color in the interior since it won't be visible. Would the entire piece need to be deanodized before reanodizing? Or does it not matter at all?

Thanks!

Dar Lin
Hobbyist - New York, New York

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Hi, Dar.

Anodizing is a process that works on aluminum, and the JB weld will not get anodized and will not take the color. Whether it will be destroyed, I'm not sure; nor do I know exactly what will happen to the aluminum right at its edge. Unfortunately I don't think you can expect a proper decorative finish from the anodizer if you don't know much about the aluminum, it's history, or what may be in/on it.

The re-anodizing process is destructive of an anodized coating, but may not 100% strip it in the normal prep time. So, as long as you have no concern about the inside of the tubing, and the outside is not anodized, I don't think there is an issue with that part.

Regards,

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