• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

ALUMINUM RESTORATION what did i do wrong?

3rdelke

Well-Known Member
Local time
2:40 AM
Joined
Aug 22, 2015
Messages
181
Reaction score
19
Location
missouri
IMGP0120-001.jpgIMGP0121-001.jpg

- - - Updated - - -

I used oven cleaner to remove anodized. they look ruined. the remaining texture seems way to rough...HELP. thanks...Bob
 
If you use Easy-Off oven cleaner on aluminum, you have to be super quick to spray it off. A friend ruined 2 corvette wheels with this stuff. They looked similar to this. Sorry.
 
Oof…yeah, oven cleaner (lye, sodium hydroxide) eats aluminum and other light metals—zinc diecast/pot metal, magnesium, etc—in a big damn hurry.
 
The parts are NOT ruined! Do what I'm about to tell ya and all will be fine.

Get some GOOD nitrile gloves that allow your fingers to move.
A face mask or something to protect the eyeballs and a dust mask.
Easy off oven cleaner in the YELLOW can.
Red scotch brite pads.
Suit up, spray the oven cleaner, let it sit for about 15 minutes or so now use the scotch brite pads and start scrubbing. You may have to do this multiple times, but it will work just fine.

After you've done that, you can now start to fix the boo boo's, sand, polish and paint.

If ya need anymore help, just ask.
 
Yes, What 5.7 Hemi said.

I used the Yellow Easy Off on my grille trim, and no problem, one thing, don't let the easy off completely dry, if it starts getting dry, hit it with some more easy off, use the scotch brite pads on it a few minutes after application. It took me 4 to 5 applications before I could tell the anodizing was gone, also, the easy off should turn grey when you are scrubbing with the pads, that's a good sign its coming off.
 
Yes, as stated the yellow Easy Off is good for even plastic but again, don't let it dry or stay on overnight. Some of the off brands even say "safe for plastic".
I've used it with much success.
 
It's sandable and fixable just going to take a lot of elbow grease! lol save the part, new cars don't even come with quality metal like that anymore save it or send it to Hemi 5.7 let him fix it.
 
I'm sure he will get it done.
 
hemi5.7, Thanks, well, that's encouraging to hear, but now I know why the fee for doing this kinda work is what it is. taught myself to restore stainless, thought I was a real hero, but the learning curve is pretty steep on aluminum. anxious to see if I can improve on this stuff. thx, bob
 
listen to 5.7 hemi. he is the man with aluminum polishing. he did my grille and did an amazing job!
 
hemi5.7, Thanks, well, that's encouraging to hear, but now I know why the fee for doing this kinda work is what it is. taught myself to restore stainless, thought I was a real hero, but the learning curve is pretty steep on aluminum. anxious to see if I can improve on this stuff. thx, bob

Same here. I retired and had the bright idea to try restoring trim. Started with stainless and got great results. Aluminum, not so great. I bought some anodizing remover from a guy called the Ragman from Norwalk, OH. Whatever it is works real well. It's not as caustic as oven remover, washes away with water and no scrubbing.
 
ok I'm just starting my stainless repair and polish,,,aluminum will be next,,Im very interested in learning as much as I can before proceeding,,,
i'll be following this :)
 
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top