Removing paint from Anodized Aluminum parts

[sgtsteve]

I have a few aluminum parts that were painted and I need to remove that paint without removing the anodizing. Ive heard that oven cleaner and brake fluid may remove the anodizing and even pit the aluminum which I dont want to do. I dont know what type of paint was used but I would guess that its just standard spray paint. If I have to get the parts re-anodized thats ok, as long as the surface remains smooth/not damaged. Thank you in advance for the suggestions

[gregsgrafx]

lacquer thinner will do the trick without damage to the aluminum or the coating. it may take some soaking, and make sure to use gloves.

[sgtsteve]

Originally Posted by gregsgrafx

lacquer thinner will do the trick without damage to the aluminum or the coating. it may take some soaking, and make sure to use gloves.

Thank you, I will give it a try.

[Creepy Inc.]

So let's say it's painted black? But anodized white?

Paint will scrape off as easy as anodized color. Sand it off and paint it or powder coAt it.

[Neeley]

No farting about. 30 second dip in a strong caustic soda / water mix, watch the anodised layer fizzle away. Then rinse under the tap. Be careful not to get it on your skin.

[rangercat23]

go to your local auto parts and they should have some paint remover, works rather quick. spray it on, wipe off the old paint.

[sgtsteve]

All great suggestions, thank you everyone I ended up trying some finger nail polish remover and it worked. It was tedious work but I got it done. I think to those hard to read places I might try the paint remover, as long as it doesnt ruin the anodizing. I will try it on a test piece first and see how it goes.

[AX10wannabe]

was watching a video from djmedic2008 on youtube the other day on his xr10 build and he used draino gel and soaked it for 2 hours, cleaned them off, added new liquid and let sit for another hour.. but this takes off everything right down to bare metal.

[sgtsteve]

Originally Posted by AX10wannabe

was watching a video from djmedic2008 on youtube the other day on his xr10 build and he used draino gel and soaked it for 2 hours, cleaned them off, added new liquid and let sit for another hour.. but this takes off everything right down to bare metal.

I only wanted to remove the extra layer of paint and leave the anodizing on there. Appreciate the suggestion though.

[AX10wannabe]

thats what i thought.. haha.. i found it interesting that someone would paint on top of anodizing... seems kinda weird to me..

[sgtsteve]

Originally Posted by AX10wannabe

thats what i thought.. haha.. i found it interesting that someone would paint on top of anodizing... seems kinda weird to me..

Yeah, but considering the deal I got on them, it was worth the extra effort to clean them.

[AX10wannabe]

Originally Posted by sgtsteve

Yeah, but considering the deal I got on them, it was worth the extra effort to clean them.

yup i wouldnt pass it up either.. had a chance to buy a set of weighted rockster rims wrapped in comp claws for 40 bucks but couldnt get the money fast enough the guy sold the rubber only.. might see if he wants to sell the rims.. we'll see.