Description
I was set on the idea of getting a mirror-like finish on the aluminum on my trolley and didn’t realize I would need to de-anodize the aluminum to use my polish. Anodized aluminum is more durable, corrosion-resistant, and scratch-resistant. However, the anodization finish lasts about 2 - 5 years and to refinish it, the anodization needs to be stripped.
If you de-anodize a metal, be aware that if the metal is stored outdoors it should be protected with paint or be re-anodized. Since my trolley is stored indoors and aluminum is naturally corrosion-resistant… I think it should be fine!
Since I couldn’t remove the aluminum pieces, I used painter’s tape, waterproof aluminum tape, and 1 mil plastic drop cloth to protect the areas where I didn’t want oven cleaner. I advise against the painter’s tape as it soaked up the liquid from the oven cleaner and allowed oven cleaner to get in places I didn’t want it.
I used Easy Off oven cleaner (the yellow bottle that is NOT fume-free) since the lye (sodium hydroxide) should break down the anodization layer. This video has tips on application and timing. Just realize if you don’t leave the oven cleaner on long enough, it’s really hard to sand the anodization away.
After stripping the anodization, I used 120, 180, 220, 400, and then 600 grit sandpaper. (I used a lot of 120 and 180 grit sandpaper) After 400 grit, I noticed the aluminum looked shinier. For the anodized parts, I used 220, 400, and then 600 grit sandpaper to remove the black stains.
I split this video project into several parts.
PART 1: Unboxing, Removing Rivets, Cleaning Wheels
PART 2: De-anodizing and Sanding Aluminum Trim
PART 3: Patching Dents, Adhesion Test, Primer 94, Vinyl Wrapping, Replacing Rivets
PART 4: Polishing Aluminum, Before and After, Making Drawers, Trolley Bar Cart
Here is a link to the playlist of these four videos!
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxz09niZLtQfL3Ga2dDHv8VeWSxvxUqwc