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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

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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

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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

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