Removing Anodizing
 

I didn't really know where to post this so I figured it would get plenty of traffic in here.

I am trying to remove the anodizing from some AN fittings for polishing, but sanding sucks

I heard about the whole "oven cleaner" thing but I have never tried it. has anyone here actually done this with good results?

The oven cleaner will remove the anodizing but may whiten or make "splotchy" patterns in the aluminum. It is very aggressive for this, probably too aggressive.

Eastwoood sells an anodizing removal solution that works very well, leaving the parts clean and bright. I have used it with excellent results.

A more "budget" way to do it would be to soak the part in un-diluted Castrol Super Clean ($5/Gallon at walmart) and check the part frequently. Since you plan to polish the part, this may work well for you.

Rob

Musclerodz posted a similar question in the post below.
https://lateral-g.net/forums/show...&highlight=raw

I picked up a Fragloa catalog from Hillco Fasteners and they sell raw AN fittings and also a stripping agent too.

thanks guys.

I'll probably give the oven cleaner a try. I'm not worried about the finish because I will be prepping and polishing them afterward.

I have seen "polished" ones in the Summit catalog before, but I have a funny feeling that the quality of finish probably isn't quite as good as I'd be looking for

I know that Castol Super Clean is some tough stuff too

Why not buy stainless and polish them? Or you can buy the fittings in clear annodizing

I am not happy with the oven cleaner deal. It turns them grayish by the time it removes all the anodizing, plus leaves partially removed areas in all the threads and tight areas. Next time I will be trying one of the other things out there made specifically for that.

Jody

Yeah oven cleaner on aluminum will look like crap.It sinks down in the metal you almost can't get it off.Why not use a belt sander or maybe a grinder?

I have never tried it and I am not sure how it would turn out but I have been thinking about sandblasting a couple of my anodized parts. Does this work?

it would work to remove the anodizing, but it seems it would get grit into small areas that you couldn't clean out, like where the fittings swivel.

Jody

Or just send your fittings and parts to your local anodizer to be stripped.

I've used the oven cleaner and it works ok, but the stuff from eastwood works great. Another cleaner that works great is the stuff they use to clean home a/c condensers with. But basically any light acid will remove the anodizing.

that would be the easy thing, but I like the satisfaction of knowing that I did it myself, plus the price is right.

BTW..I used the oven cleaner and I'll post pics of a few of the fittings by the end of the weekend. it worked great and the black residue was nothing to get off

I finished them
 

well, here's a few pics.

the pics include example of the starting condition of the parts I used, what a part looks like after stripping and the finished product.

I also included pics of the fittings connected to the oil catchcan that I also polished

I couldn't find one more straight #6 AN fitting so I'll have to buy that one.

one thing I did learn is that if you use a quality fitting (Earl's, Russell, etc) you need to soak the parts for about a half hour and the stripper leaves quite a mess on the part, but if you use a cheap off-brand fitting, the anodize is a lot cheaper and it comes off almost as soon as you put the stripper on it, and it leaves no residue that can't just be wiped off with a rag

Wow, those really polished up!

that wasn't just polishing up the original pieces as-is. there was A LOT of sanding and smoothing involved before the polishing

those are great results. i'm sold.

They turned out great!! :thumbsup: