Anodized parts: how to protect 'em

[parsonsj]

I just got all my aluminum stuff anodized. A lot of it goes on the exterior of the car and so I'm wondering what's safe to use keep it clean and provide some UV and water protection.

I'm a Zaino guy: anybody know if that's safe? Or should I use ordinary wax?

jp

[parsonsj]

Nobody ??

[BRIAN]

Thats a good question. Clear powder coat? Although that isn't usually any better than standard clears. I have had tons of bikes with ano parts and usually they oxidize and react with the mtg and surrounding materials.

[Matt@RFR]

Aren't these hard anodized John? If so, it shouldn't be a problem, but if not, you might want to check on the stability of anodizing at 400ºF before you think about powdercoating 'em.

Another option that works well is clear engine paint. It works better than you'd think.

[pushrod243]

John

I would think the anodizing is protection enough. I wouldnt put anything on them. I anodized all the aluminum on my race car to help lower the maintenence. UV rays might lighten up lighter colrs but mine was mostly black and the pieces on the engine were purple. The whole aluminum body was anodized it stayed nice and you could clean it with virtually anything. Some of the engine pieces slightly discolored due to the heat not sure how to protect from that.

[Matt@RFR]

Some of the engine pieces slightly discolored due to the heat not sure how to protect from that.


Another option that works well is clear engine paint. It works better than you'd think.

You are right in saying that anodizing is a form of protection in and of itself, but to keep things looking pretty, something else needs to be done.

I sincerely doubt that anything will keep them from fading in the sun, so you should probably be prepared to have things stripped and re-done.

[Duesey]

I always kept a coat of wd40 on my snowmobiles that had anodized parts. It made a big difference in the corrosion difference between my sleds and buddies. It shines really nice but obviously doesn't offer uv protection. Just wet a rag and wipe on the parts.

[427v8]

Anodizing itself is very tough. It's basically ceramic ( Aluminum Oxide ) I worked for a company that used hard coated aluminum plates regularly at 575 deg F with no issues.

The issues you will find is if you have colored anodizing. The color can and will fade, is suseptable to alkalynes and acids. In otherwords a strong engine cleaner will bleach the color off, but the anodizing will be fine. However if you soak your part in a 50 % Lye solution the anodizing will come right off.

If you want to protect it a good isocyinate automotive clear works great.

BTW, Hard coating is only different in that it's thicker and denser, but chemically it's exatly the same.

[vanzuuk1]

I don't mean to hijack the thread but I have to remove purple anodizing from an air cleaner, any suggestions? Its a related topic.

[Matt@RFR]

Speedway does love purple aluminum! lol

A fine mounted stainless wire brush will work great.

[Steve1968LS2]

When a part is annodized it is basicly dyed.. over time this dye will fade either due to UV (sun) or even heat. The heat causes the pours in the metal to open up and the dye to be lost.. You would want some sort of coating that is UV stable and that would also seal the pours in the metal.

Contact the guys at www.embeeperformance.com and ask what they reccomend.. I am no expert but they are since they do a TON of anodizing..

And the tip for day.. If you want to strip off the annodizing from a part use Easy Off Heavy Duty oven cleaner.. soak the part then use a soft wire brush.. I had some red/blue parts that I couldn't stand and this worked great.

[CAMAROBOY69]

John did you ever post pics of your new anodized parts?? I know we were waiting for pics in another thread.

[vanzuuk1]

The ez off worked awesome, and yes it was from speedway!

[vanzuuk1]

and what about the girl at the anodize shop?. no photos?

[parsonsj]

Sorry guys ... just back from 10 days out of town in a place with no Wi-Fi!! I didn't know such places still existed. Thanks for the tips and website. Look for pics soon ...

jp