How to remove anodized finish from metal?

my-handyman

May 21, 2012 16:21

Is there a way to remove the black/blue anodized from metal (aluminum) without scratching the metal underneith? I really don't want to use any thing abrasive like sandpaper...
Thanks for any and all info!

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  burpfire

  May 21, 2012 17:58

  you do realise that the anosizing is actually making that part stronger dont you? removing it will make it more likely to warp or crack. but anyways, if you want to remove it, you will have to bead blast it to save the finish underneath. if i remember right, there are also chemicals that will strip it, but for the average person they arent worth the time or exspence.

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  dcs shooters

  May 21, 2012 17:58

  Bead blasting with glass beads should do it and leave a matt finish. We do it before doing a Dura-coat or parkerizing finish.

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  rong

  May 22, 2012 02:38

  I was always taught that Hard coat anodizing
  made the surface of metal harder for increased wear
  resistance and corrosion protection.
  Something about making the metal
  more prone to thermal stress as well.
  As far as making the metal stronger,
  I certainly wouldn't thinks so.
  In some cases it will increase the thickness
  by a few mils if not more and that has to be
  taken into consideration in a tight design.

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  tsr1965

  May 22, 2012 03:20

  quote:Originally posted by rong
  I was always taught that Hard coat anodizing
  made the surface of metal harder for increased wear
  resistance and corrosion protection.
  Something about making the metal
  more prone to thermal stress as well.
  As far as making the metal stronger,
  I certainly wouldn't thinks so.
  In some cases it will increase the thickness
  by a few mils if not more and that has to be
  taken into consideration in a tight design.
  
  
  The hard coat anodizing, actually applies a case hardening to the surface of the aluminum, of which it is applied to. It increases wear resistance, durability to corrosion, and lubricity properties(I know a guy that bead blasted his 10-22's blue anodizing off, because he wanted the stainless look to match his aftermarket barrel...the gun will not reliably function 100% now. Lucky if it is 70%). There is really not much of a reason, even Dura-Kote applications, for removal of the anodizing.
  
  Best

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  yoshmyster

  May 22, 2012 06:11

  Regular anno on say a paintball gun parts will come off with Easy Off.
  
  Now the hard anno on say a pot like Circulon? I got one where someone must've made pots of gravy/ragu and ate the finish. Easy Off don't work on this.

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  beantownshootah

  May 22, 2012 06:35

  Personally, I wouldn't remove anodizing (why?. . .just paint over it), but if you must do so, see here. . .
  
  http://www.ehow.com/how_5266905_remove-anodizing-aluminum.html
  
  Or here:
  
  http://www.ehow.com/how_4964957_remove-anodizing.html
  
  In essence, oven cleaner (lye) will strip it off.
  
  Be careful, because the stuff is corrosive to the eyes and skin, and the fumes can be harmful to the lungs, too.

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  kylew

  May 22, 2012 06:42

  tsr 1965 gave the best answer. Leave it alone.

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  my-handyman

  May 22, 2012 17:34

  Thanks Guys!! I will give these all a try, and will post the results in a few days

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  Hawk Carse

  May 22, 2012 17:55

  Do be careful with any of the approaches using lye (sodium hydroxide) as oven cleaner or Drano. Leave it in too long and it will dissolve the part; aluminum is soluble in strong alkaline solution just as the aluminum oxide of the anodizing.
  
  Phosphoric acid is corrosive to aluminum, also.

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  Juggernaut

  May 23, 2012 11:27

  Neutralize with vinegar(which is acetic acid a mild acid used for many applications); also works well to dull polished steel and if the anodization has a polished appearance should dull it down considerably and then once its to where you want it just wash with mild liquid soap and water and dry.

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