Stripping paint off of anodized aluminum

Tony · Post by **Tony** » Sat May 15, 2004 7:22 pm

Howdy all,
I bought a used "X" traveler rail and car this morning, which appears to have originally been black anodized, but has rough, patchy spots of paint all over it. I do not want to damage the anodizing, so what is the best way to remove this paint? I've never used a chemical paint stripper, would that work, or would I not want to use it on anodyzed aluminum? (yes, yes, rookie question, but I've just always sanded paint away). If you want one, I'll take a pic tonight when I get home.

Thanks,

Post by **Tim** » Sun May 16, 2004 7:17 am

Chances are that the black paint is there because the original anodized finish wore away in those areas. Therefore, you probably won't damage any anodizing that's worth anything.

I'd just sand it, myself. You can replicate the black anodized finish with stove black paint if you want. With aluminum being such a soft metal, I'd worry a little about some of the strong strippers affecting it.

Tony · Post by **Tony** » Mon May 17, 2004 1:45 pm

Actually, the paint is white...looks like it was sort of slopped onto it halfheartedly while someone painted something else.

I'll probably sand it.

Thanks.

Dave, 397 · Post by **Dave, 397** » Mon May 17, 2004 11:23 pm

Have a go at it with some Acetone, MEK, Lacquer Thinner or whatever skunk pee you can think of to try. None of that should eat the anodizing one bit, and you might just lift that paint off...if you sand, you will definitely end up thru the coating.

Just my .02..
Dave

Tony · Post by **Tony** » Wed May 19, 2004 10:29 am

Would I have to soak it in acetone, or would wiping/scrubbing with it be enough? I've got nearly a whole gallon left...

Thanks,

Dave, 397 · Post by **Dave, 397** » Wed May 19, 2004 4:28 pm

Mask up, glove up, and scrub at it with a rag...you'll win eventually!

Dave