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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Aluminum to Steel doors

We are trying to replace some aluminum clad wood doors with decorative aluminum strips (5/16" x 3" x width of door). We want to reattach the decoartive aluminum trim to new hollow metal doors (factory primer and two finish coats applied on site). Will there be a problem with electrolysis? If so would there be a problem is we used stainless steel doors instead?

Glenn H. Smith
Remodeling - Springfield, Illinois
2006

3 coats of paint should be a sufficient barrier between the steel and the aluminum. Galvanic corrosion is the correct term for describing the reaction that takes place when dissimilar materials are in contact with each other in the presence of an electrolyte. Electrolysis is something different. Stainless steel will be even worse than a carbon steel with respect to galvanic corrosion when in contact with aluminum.

Toby Padfield
Automotive module supplier - Michigan
2006