Dulling Aluminum
09-11-06, 12:16 PM
#1
señor member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: yay area
Posts: 1,157
Bikes: Malvern Path Racer, Schwinn LeTour, Follis, Bridgestone 400 (RIP), concord 2sp
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Dulling Aluminum
Does anyone have any tips on dulling aluminum that doesn't involve paint. I am restoring a bike and most of the part are that sort of dull aluminium finish from age (which I kinda like), but I had to get a new seatpost. And it really stands out. Nice and bright. Any ideas?
09-11-06, 12:23 PM
#2
Stop reading my posts!
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 12,584
Mentioned: 90 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1443 Post(s)
Liked 1,062 Times
in
787 Posts
not anything I'd do myself, but short of blasting it (best, most even finish) or scuffing the shine with scratchy pads or fine steelwool...I'd try chemicals. Either a strong acid (white vinegar?) but better yet a strong base (lye would be strongest, but most dangerous) so maybe back off from that a little and try dipping it in a solution of washing soda/water. Just a guess, but I'd bet that could get it looking "artificially aged" pretty quick.
09-11-06, 01:01 PM
#3
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 10,082
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Oven cleaner with a strong caustic soda content|(10%) might do the trick. I just de-anodized a black stem with it. It was quite dull before I polished it.
09-11-06, 01:50 PM
#4
My bikes became Vintage
I agree with Ziemas. I have used household lye (caustic soda) from the grocery store to prepare aluminum for painting. It leaves a matte finish. Oven cleaner also contains lye and you probably have it at home already. Be sure to degrease the part thoroughly to get a uniform finish.
09-11-06, 01:59 PM
#5
Non Tribuo Anus Rodentum and off to the next adventure (RIP)
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 9,161
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
... and use appropriate safety precautions. Rubber gloves, protective eyeware etc.
__________________
09-11-06, 03:13 PM
#7
Uff Da!
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,191
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 68 Post(s)
Liked 180 Times
in
90 Posts
Originally Posted by OLDYELLR
Be sure to degrease the part thoroughly to get a uniform finish.
09-11-06, 05:23 PM
#8
My bikes became Vintage
I would still want to start out with a clean part. Even if the lye will remove grease, it will start working on the clean surface first and perhaps leave marks where any greasy fingerprints existed. Also, start with a fairly dilute solution to see how it progresses. To dilute strong acids or bases, always add them to the water, not vice versa, or they will spit back at you.
