Summary for polishing anodized aluminum Discussion
polishing anodized aluminum trim on an old truck is possible, but the thread shows different approaches depending on the finish you want. Dennis DeChamplain asked how to revive oxidized, very dull anodized trim without paying for expensive re-anodizing. Josh Sonju explained that anodized aluminum is a sealed oxide layer and suggested either stripping the anodizing at a job shop with sodium hydroxide and a desmut, or sanding progressively from about #400 through #1200-1800 grit before clearing it. Teresa Sedmak of Everbrite Coatings offered a simpler refinishing option: clean the metal and apply Everbrite Protective Coating, which she said restored anodized window extrusions and kept them looking new for years. Jonathan Smith cautioned that there is no simple way to get a true polished, mirrored finish unless you are familiar with high-speed polishing, and that sanding can alter the trim’s curvature. The discussion therefore contains differing views on how far the restoration can go.
Q. Can anyone please help me. I purchased an old truck with lots of anodized aluminum trim that is oxidized & very dull. Is there any way to polish it? I called some shops, but they want a lot of money to re-anodize it. Even if I can get it cleaned up somewhat I would appreciate it.
Thank you.
Dennis DeChamplain
– Clarkston, Michigan
2001
A. Anodized aluminum is actually a thin layer of oxidized aluminum that is sealed and is usually colored. To clean up the aluminum, have the local job shops just strip the old anodizing (sodium hydroxide then a desmut) or just use some sand-paper #400 grit then #600-800 then #1200-1800 grit and clear it.
Josh Sonju
– Kalispell, Montana
2001
Dennis,
adv.
Faded and dull anodized metal can be easily refinished with Everbrite Protective Coating. It is an easy to apply, clear coating that can be sprayed or simply wiped on once you clean the metal. I wiped it on the anodized window extrusions on my home 5 years ago and they still look new.
Hope this helps.
Teresa Sedmak
Everbrite Coatings
Rancho Cordova, California
2001
A. Ref: polishing trim…
There is not a simple way of doing what I think you desire unless you are familiar with high speed polishing. Sandpaper will not cut it unless you want the curvature to change, re-filming it is not going to give you a polished mirrored finish.
Jonathan Smith
– Eastman, Georgia
2004