Framebuilders - naked aluminum

is it safe for me to remove the paint off an aluminum frame? will it corrode? how can I protect it?

Whatever you do, do NOT use aluminum oxide sandpaper.
Oxygen from the oxide doesn't know which aluminum atom is which, and will attack the aluminum frame.

If it's a bare aluminum look you want , you should coat the frame with Simichrome Polish:

http://www.renningers.com/simichrome.html

http://www.marbeck.com/cleaners_household_simichrome.html

http://www.speedsupplies.com/accessorylistingdetailpurch.asp?item=12362

http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/002522.php

Jasco works very well for stripping paint from Aluminum. I know two people who have done it without issues.

http://paint-and-supplies.hardwarestore.com/50-278-paint-strippers-removers/jasco-spray-paint-remover-639082.aspx

Years ago had paint profssionaly removed off a C'dale. You !cannot! sandblast alu; however they can use plastic beads that will do a fine job.
Alu does not rust but it can oxidize. So a clearcoat can be spayed on, if desired.

If it's a bare aluminum look you want , you should coat the frame with Simichrome Polish:

http://www.renningers.com/simichrome.html

http://www.marbeck.com/cleaners_household_simichrome.html

http://www.speedsupplies.com/accessorylistingdetailpurch.asp?item=12362

http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/002522.php

Whatever you do, do NOT use aluminum oxide sandpaper.
Oxygen from the oxide doesn't know which aluminum atom is which, and will attack the aluminum frame.

simichrome is AU Oxide.... hmmmm

Whatever you do, do NOT use aluminum oxide sandpaper.
Oxygen from the oxide doesn't know which aluminum atom is which, and will attack the aluminum frame.

simichrome is AU Oxide.... hmmmm

Oh, s_ _ _!

Thanks for bringing up that correction!

I guess you'll have to go with a clearcoat.

simichrome is AU Oxide.... hmmmm

Better check the periodic chart again. ;) (#79)

Or maybe that's why it's pricey & hard to find. :p

If you have a link to a source, I'd be mighty obliged. :)

is it safe for me to remove the paint off an aluminum frame?
Yes. Jasco gel paint stripper is cheapest/simplest.


will it corrode?
Yes. Oxidize, anyway. The surface will get dull, and eventually whitish residues will form. This probably doesn't affect structural integrity, but it isn't that nice to look at.



how can I protect it?

Paint it.

Better check the periodic chart again. ;) (#79)

Or maybe that's why it's pricey & hard to find. :p

If you have a link to a source, I'd be mighty obliged. :)

yeah, well you know the U is right next to the L on keyboards for geniuses ;)

yeah, well you know the U is right next to the L on keyboards for geniuses ;)

The Midas model?? :D


is it safe for me to remove the paint off an aluminum frame? will it corrode? how can I protect it?

HOW DID I NOT MENTION??....

DO NOT remove paint from a KLEIN aluminum frame!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was explained to me years ago that KLEIN does some techno technique to their frames that is DAMAGED by removal of the old finish!!!

To repaint a KLEIN, simply clean the frame very well with wax & grease remover. Use a toothbrush & an airhose for all the little nooks.
Scuff the frame with medium ScotchBrite pads, just enough to break the gloss.
Primer & paint from there.

Repainting a KLEIN, or most frames for that matter, will void any remaining warranties.

Clear sheild protective film will protect your frame from oxidizeing and getting scraped up

Dr.D, What is it that Klein did to their frames and for what propose

IIRC, Klein used a strip of boron tape on the right chainstay. This supposedly increased stiffness. I do not know if they still do this, and I do not know if that's what Dr. D was talking about, but there you go.

how much jasco (in gel form) is required for one frame, approximately? i'm about to go buy some and don't want to do like half of the job and have to run back or have like a ton of extra jasco sitting around forever.

I've been successful with 1/2 to 2/3 of a can.

<edit> Be aware that this is fairly nasty stuff; a level beyond the usual household chemicals. About a minute after you get this stuff on bare skin it begins to burn, and keeps burning for a while. I'd hate to imagine what it would do to an eye. When the can says wear glasses and heavy gloves, it's not kidding. I've learned my lesson and definitely go all safety-dork when I'm using this stuff.

Have fun!