Bicycle Mechanics - Stripping anodized AL

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armybikerider
10-16-09, 11:53 AM
Anyone ever tried stripping the anodized color off aluminum? I have a couple of AL American Classic water bottle cages that are anodized an awful purple that I'd like to make bare silver.

If so, what product/technique did you use?

Thanks in advance.

David

Batavus
10-16-09, 12:11 PM
Hot water, caustic soda and 3-4 minutes of soak will do the job. But be careful, this stuff bites! Protect yourself and do it in a well-ventilated area. Also, first pour the water in a plastic container, then the caustic soda, not the other way around.

Good luck!
Nessism
10-16-09, 12:40 PM
Oven cleaner with lye will take off the anodizing.

Grand Bois
10-16-09, 12:41 PM
Easy Off oven cleaner works great. Most of the parts on my PX10 have been stripped with Easy Off and then polished.

http://inlinethumb30.webshots.com/43933/2134335910068014369S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2134335910068014369IYRcur)
HillRider
10-16-09, 07:34 PM
Lye is caustic soda (Sodium Hydroxide) and that's what's in Easy-Off. As noted, be real careful with this stuff as it is very corrosive to skin and eyes. Rubber gloves and GOOD eye protection are highly recommended. I wonder if the average person spraying this stuff into their oven realizes what they are using and what it can do to them.

Once you do strip the annodizing, the resulting bare aluminum will leave black marks on your water bottles almost immediately so be prepared for that.
armybikerider
10-16-09, 09:52 PM
Thanks.
sch
10-16-09, 11:27 PM
Rather than use potentially hazardous chemicals (unless they are just laying around) just
get some stainless steel cages. Weight penalty is 20 grams or so and they DO NOT
stain the bottles. Raw aluminum makes big black spots on WB plastic and the stainless
seems to last longer. Welded aluminum cracks more easily than welded stainless IME.
Jeff Wills
10-17-09, 12:10 AM
Rather than use potentially hazardous chemicals (unless they are just laying around) just
get some stainless steel cages. Weight penalty is 20 grams or so and they DO NOT
stain the bottles. Raw aluminum makes big black spots on WB plastic and the stainless
seems to last longer. Welded aluminum cracks more easily than welded stainless IME.

+1 . Put the purple bottle cages up on Ebay. Somebody will want them. I don't know why, but someone will.
rwortman
10-19-09, 07:59 PM
Easy Off oven cleaner works great. Most of the parts on my PX10 have been stripped with Easy Off and then polished.

http://inlinethumb30.webshots.com/43933/2134335910068014369S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2134335910068014369IYRcur)

Now that's a sweet looking bike.
Dr.Deltron
10-22-09, 08:51 AM
Somebody will want them. I don't know why, but someone will.

I almost replied before reading the whole thread.

I want them!! I can use them on a couple of bikes, but more specifically .. my lavender Colnago. :thumb:

Please PM me if they are still purple! I think I have a couple of black ones (AC) if you want to trade.