How do I remove anodizing???

[KetteringTi]

I have some parts for my wheels that I had painted previously, now they are down to the anoded UGLY teal green. I want them to look like bare metal. Thanks!

[318tibimmer]

From what I understand when a piece of metal is anodized, it is much like staining wood. Based on that, I think the only way you are going to get it off is sandblasting or sand paper.

[J!m]

EZ-OFF oven cleaner will 'etch' the anodize off of aluminum. This is common in the bicycle world to remove unwanted colors...

Anodize is a layer of Aluminum oxide, not a stain. You basically have to strip the upper layer (it's microns thin) of material off.

Another option to try is to strip the clear coat (if it has any) and then go with one of those acid based aluminum cleaners marked: "for bare aluminum only". That should work as well.

Definitely remove the wheels from the car, and start in an un-seen place to be sure to get the results you want.

Best of luck.

[Mothman]

There are some products that will remove anodize off your headlights as well. You know that cloudly look some headlights have, well there is a product called WinX. If you used a drill that has a soft pad on it to buff it out. comes out looking brand new! You many want to check out this site: http://www.partsamerica.com/ChemicalFluids.aspx They have average prices and tips to fix your car.

Good Luck!
Mothman

[Variance]

Mothman,
That's oxidation, not anodizing. Anodizing bonds a layer of colored aluminum oxide to metal.

[KetteringTi]

I was hoping that there would be some kind of chemical that I could fully "bathe" the parts in. The part in question is a large nex nut that screws on to the center of the wheel to hold on the center cap and give it that "race-car single lug" look. I couldn't care less about the "race-car" look but I like the wheels and that was part of the package. I just don't want the nuts to be teal. I only say I want to "bathe" them because they are threaded, and obviously threads are difficult to sand/wipe thoroughly.

I've been using Tal-Strip II Aircraft Coating Remover for the wheels themselves, and it works wonders. Other than the fact that I went through four cans already and I'm not done yet! However, I think that it is a powerful base, not an acid. Would an acid work better on anodizing than a base?

Someone told me to use a product with lye in it. Any validity to that?

Thanks, everyone.

[318tibimmer]

Originally Posted by KetteringTi

I was hoping that there would be some kind of chemical that I could fully "bathe" the parts in. The part in question is a large nex nut that screws on to the center of the wheel to hold on the center cap and give it that "race-car single lug" look. I couldn't care less about the "race-car" look but I like the wheels and that was part of the package. I just don't want the nuts to be teal. I only say I want to "bathe" them because they are threaded, and obviously threads are difficult to sand/wipe thoroughly.

I've been using Tal-Strip II Aircraft Coating Remover for the wheels themselves, and it works wonders. Other than the fact that I went through four cans already and I'm not done yet! However, I think that it is a powerful base, not an acid. Would an acid work better on anodizing than a base?

Someone told me to use a product with lye in it. Any validity to that?

Thanks, everyone.

If it is the lug bolts that you are concerned about, go buy new ones from BMW or Discount tire. They won't be expencive. You don't need to worry about the hub nut area, typicaly that is covered by a small BMW cap on the wheels. If you don't have the caps, go to BMW and Buy them, again they are cheap. This will save you a lot of headach.

[KetteringTi]

These are not BMW wheels. They are TSW Evos, discontinued in 1998.

[KetteringTi]

How about muriatic acid??

[KetteringTi]

^Anyone?^

[J!m]

I submitted what I know works (EZ-OFF). you are on your own beyond that...