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Product, dip or acid to brighten and protect natural aluminium bars for antennas

Hi:

I would like to know the name and specs of an acid or liquid chemical used to make aluminum surfaces bright, shinny and more polished. It seems one can submerge or dip the bar or piece in it for sometime or apply it with a brush. This finish is intended for aluminium antennas which must be placed outdoors. This finish must not be expensive and should give the pieces a polished and shinny look and also protect antennas from corrosion and weather conditions. I have no experience in materials or chemistry. Our new company is already assembling the aluminum pieces to manufacture the antennas, but we need the finish to have good quality. I have heard that something of the sort is used for such purposes, but have not been able to obtain the name nor specs. of product in question. Can you help?

Laura Arroyo
- Mexico City, Mexico
2000

Depending on the alloy you are working with, a bright dip + anodize or an electropolish + anodize should suit you just fine.

Matthew Stiltner
J & J Plating Co. - Toledo, Ohio
2000