Author Topic: Best way to remove anodising? (Read 1686 times)

pickle · « **on:** August 24, 2006, 12:18 PM »

I have an old stem i'd like to use on my survivor race bike i'm biulding but it's red (which won't fit the colour scheme) what's the best way to remove the anodising so i can polish the chrome under it?

Cheers Rob

Mattdub · « **Reply #1 on:** August 24, 2006, 12:21 PM »

Caustic Soda - don't leave it immersed for long

It'll be alloy underneath , polish away .

pickle · « **Reply #2 on:** August 24, 2006, 12:22 PM »

Cheers matey!

felix · « **Reply #3 on:** August 24, 2006, 12:28 PM »

As above caustic soda is the way - be careful though it is dangerous stuff. Do not use hot or very warm water - cold or tepid is enough. The water will warm up through chemical reaction. Always add soda to water not the other way. Wear protective gloves and eyewear. Do not breath fumes. Caustic soda is a strong alkili, have vinegar nearby as a neutraliser. Use around a tablespoon to a litre or so. Summerge and agitate object for 15 - 20 seconds, rinse and evaluate. Repeat for 10 seconds and so on. To polish I would not use nylon washing up sponges or anything like that, best thing is metal polish wadding in the tin. Will not leave any scratches and gives a superb shine. And before stripping be aware some intricate areas of components can be very hard to get into and may leave tell tale areas of colour.

This may sound a bit fussy but it can be dangerous and people have harmed their sight using it.

pickle · « **Reply #4 on:** August 24, 2006, 12:32 PM »

Think i might just make do with the red then and cover it with a black pad??

felix · « **Reply #5 on:** August 24, 2006, 12:38 PM »

No, give it a go - it really is easy, just don't splash any near your eyes. Maybe have a practise on some old scrap bits first?

spicybob · « **Reply #6 on:** August 24, 2006, 12:57 PM »

Where can I buy caustic soda??

pickle · « **Reply #7 on:** August 24, 2006, 12:59 PM »

I'm sure it'll be in any DIY shop??

Del · « **Reply #8 on:** August 24, 2006, 01:02 PM »

or a safer way is to use Oven Pride... I've used it a number of times.

jimwise68 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 24, 2006, 01:12 PM »

Oven Pride is the way forward!

Pop down to Tesco's and buy some.

even comes with a great big sealable bag to put all your bits in!

Fantastic.

theRuler · « **Reply #10 on:** August 24, 2006, 01:19 PM »

yep oven pride is great

no bad smells, and it is more gentle to use

pickle · « **Reply #11 on:** August 24, 2006, 01:20 PM »

Think i might pop down to Tesco tonight then

Start with that then move on to blinding myself with the soda!

Stodgy · « **Reply #12 on:** August 24, 2006, 01:27 PM »

Me thinks it's time for a 'How to remove annodising' sticky eh Admin?

theRuler · « **Reply #13 on:** August 24, 2006, 01:28 PM »

i learned from that one dave rombus did, where he did those alloy parts for for pete quad.

dordymush · « **Reply #14 on:** August 24, 2006, 01:35 PM »

yep dave told me about the oven pride.
like you say you can put the parts in the big ole bag and keep moving them about till you see the anno come off.
even get a pair of gloves too

.

theRuler · « **Reply #15 on:** August 24, 2006, 01:36 PM »

it also cleans up your steel parts a treat. good if you are rebuilding some loose ball hubs

jimwise68 · « **Reply #16 on:** August 24, 2006, 02:33 PM »

Anyone actually tried it on an oven yet?

Del · « **Reply #17 on:** August 24, 2006, 02:35 PM »

Quote from: jimwise68 on August 24, 2006, 02:33 PM

Anyone actually tried it on an oven yet?

Yeah.. its crap

it gets everywhere! I tell "her in doors" its great so she buys it and i use it for my old school resto needs!

felix · « **Reply #18 on:** August 24, 2006, 05:16 PM »

I remember the first time I ever came across the old caustic soda trick, I think it was Simon at Superbike Ilford showed us around '81/82? Early BITD silver stuff was not available - it was all gold/blue/red/black of course.

Anyway, if this might get made sticky there is some very helpful stuff on these websites sort of related to add to the tips earlier on. Not only on taking it off but putting it on in the comfort of your own home.

Also gives another great use for the Dylon Rombloke has used so well on Tuffs. I have never tried any of the home anodizing (only taking it off) but would love to see the results if anyone else does:

http://astro.neutral.org/anodise_tips.shtml

http://www.mini-lathe.com/Anodizing/anodizing_aluminum.htm

pickle · « **Reply #19 on:** August 25, 2006, 12:06 PM »

Bought some last night at ASDA so i'm gunna give it a try over the weekend........will take piccies for a 'how too' kinda thingymajig

Scared the life out of me though........it has a picture of that horrible gardener woman with no bra on it!

Author Topic: Best way to remove anodising? (Read 1686 times)

felix

felix

spicybob

theRuler

theRuler

theRuler

felix