So I've got some 50 year old anodized aluminum trim I'm trying to get polished up. The anodization is laughing at me.
I've tried buying greased lightening like al gore's internet told me. Didn't touch the E36 M3.
Then, in addition to greased ligthtening, scrubbed with sos pad. Got some, but not a lot.
Before I spend any more money, what actually works?
Id prefer to stay away from the really nasty chemicals due to my shop being full of show cars at the moment, and my wildlife/daughter outside on the property. I read somehwere that oven cleaner does/doesn't work, and chemicals that cost a lot and are pretty nasty.
There's got to be a safe/grm way of getting this E36 M3 off so I can poloish.
I think you need the old-school oven cleaner, but it falls under the umbrella of "Nasty Stuff".
Is oven cleaner water soluble? As in, if I do it outside can I dilute it and make it go away?
And what brand is "old school"?
Aircraft stripper? IIRC its nasty AND water soluble. Never tried it on anodizing but it leaves aluminum in good shape after paint removal. It also removes the coating/color of ANYTHING I've accidentally dropped it on, so outside is probably a good idea (check for required temperatures first).
Lye. Old oven cleaners like mr muscle contain it.
Remember. Anodizing isn't a coating. It is a chemical change in the outer layer of aluminum. You have to eat away the treated aluminum.
There is no non nasty way to do this.
Spray oven cleaners are meant to be wiped up and rinsed down the sink. Spraying it down the driveway should be fine
Tried oven cleaner. It IS water soluble.
One treatment, set 20 mins. Rinse. Scrub with sos pad and greased lightening. Rinse. Another application of oven cleaner, rinse, and polish. Working good.
Thanks guys.
