The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
  

  -----

Remove scratches from an anodized aluminum

2004

Hi,

I purchased an apple laptop made from anodized aluminum last week. But when it arrived from shipping, it has scratches all over it. I went to the apple store and asked them how much it would cost to replace the whole casing. They told me that it would cost around 1400! I told them that I received the laptop with scratches but they replied that I should complain on the shipping company. I want to complain to the shipping company but I already signed that I received the item in good condition (the package was closed when I received it). I want to know if you know any way how to remove "light" scratches from an anodized aluminum.

Thank you very much,

John Tizon
student - San Francisco, California, USA

If they are extremely light you could have them buffed out..but this is scary to do because the anodize coating is so thin its very, very easy to buff right through it to the bare metal. If they go down to the metal already and the color is missing you can attempt to fill in the area with a permenant marker (I like Sharpies). The best way would be to have it re-anodized but it will cost a lot I'm sure. My suggestion is to have a hissy fit until the company will work with you.

Jason Aube
- Flint, Michigan
2004