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Removal of anodised surface

My name is Randy and I am in the auto restoration business and frequently get involved in the repair of auto trim parts that are of an extruded aluminum nature. I have been sending most parts to a vendor for refinishing and have been disappointed with the results, the problem is that when they are stripped the refinisher does not take the time to make the surface imperfection free prior to reanodising or bright dipping. I have found that if I remove the anodised surface by sanding the part the refinishing process turns out satisfactory. This becomes difficult in areas of parts that it is almost impossible to get in and sand to remove the surface and achieve the results,what is the best method of removing an anodised finish on auto exterior trim parts also regarded as bright dip finish so I can do the finish preparation work before the parts are sent out for reanodising or bright dipping.

Randy DeLiso
restoration - Lyons, N.Y.
2006

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2006

The best method (as described in letter 15656 and others) is to use a mix of acids to dissolve the anodize without hurting the aluminum. Unfortunately, if you start to do this in your shop you will have to deal with all of the legal ramifications of using hazardous substances. Get a price from your finisher for just etching or stripping the part - it may be cheap enough that you would be better off just always having that done first.

Good luck!

Jim Gorsich
Compton, California, USA