Best way to Remove anno for chrome finish?

[wjr]

I would like to point out that Lye and other drain cleaners are seriously hazardous. Make sure that you wear heavy long gloves, an apron and other spill/splash precautions. Washing Lye does nothing as it eats away at your skin and tissues as it will the layer of anno. Vinegar is a good thing to have around while working with lye, as it will stop the corrosive process by neutralizing it.


After base washing your piece, soak it in a strong vinegar solution, then flush with lots of water. Some light sanding with a super fine emory cloth will probably be needed. Afterward be sure to seal the raw aluminum with a good polish or wax to deter oxidation.


Oh and on edit and partially in reply to the below. NEVER use straight Drano, or use too much Lye. Always dilute with water in a safe container.

That's good to know about the vinegar...

But it seems like the best was to deter oxidation would be to give it a clear ano, especially if this will be done on a chimera frame! I remember that I ruined several parts (a rail included) not from anodizing mistakes, but from stripping mistakes.

If you do attempt this yourself then I would really recommend practicing on several parts before you attempt it.

And now for a question of my own that is sort of on the same topic: What's the best way to strip off powder coat, and the best way to polish SS? I've got a minimag body I want to make shiny.

[StygShore]

options

Powdercoat will come off in a lot of solvents, even gasoline will take some powdercoat off. Best bet is Zip Strip or something similar http://www.starbronze.com/zipstrip.html


Paint thinners will eat away at the powdercoat, but should not harm the metal finish.


as far as making the stainless shine... Flitz metal polish is all I use on anythign that needs to shine, the stuff is awesome!!!!! http://www.flitz-polish.com/family.asp?fam_id=ZFMP


Styg

[sixtoes1313]

K i think ill take the clear anno trip. just need to save the money up first.

[lasrsktr]

wow...... ...all those mags..... you have probly the most beautiful collection of mags i've seen yet. Anyway that finish is just what i was looking for. About houw much did you pay for it to be done? And do they seal it with anything?

Haha... yeah that is not my collection... I only have one mag in that picture....

That finish didn't cost me but 5 hours of time... the body was raw to begin with(no anno).... I polished it with mother mag aluminum polish. and just keep it up every couple of weeks.. There is no sealer.

The only thing I actually had to strip was the 15* ASA. It was a pain in the *** and I will never strip my Anno again. Its just way to time consuming if you don't have the proper tools to do it with...

But the outcome is amazing.

[sixtoes1313]

I dont mind polishing my guns after play so i figured what the hell, ill try my dads method on the warp bracket...and i must say im pretty impressed. he bead blasted it and brought it home. I used steel wool on it, then the steel wool with cleaning compound caked inside. Rinsed it off and used some chrome/alum polish for a stunning finish. I really like it.

Plus its like a real raw metal machine type finish which i like since this gun is going to be all mechanical. i should be having my dad do all the rest of the parts tommorow, and ill polish em up and get some pics.