Stripping Aluminum Coating (scales)

I

Ichop

Joined
Jun 25, 2013
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Recently received a pair of aluminum scales for my Spyderco Paramilitary 2. I got them for a good price and all, but the downside is... I don't like the color... What would be the best method for removing the color to a nice, shiny silver aluminum finish?

My current thoughts are to either do it physically (sanding the hell out of the scales....might take awhile), or chemically (find a substance that will eat at the color)

Could use a few pointers, thanks!
 
What I used for removing coating on a few blades- dipped/painted Citri-strip on for a while, then abraded off. Combo of chemical and mechanical action worked good for me.
 
If they are anodized you'll probably have to do it physically. But if you don't mind a satin finish, you could glass bead them. If they are painted, stripping them will be a breeze.
 
I would use Greased Lightning.

What do you intend to do to protect them from oxidizing after you strip them? At the very least you should polish them, but paint or better, anodizing is a good idea.

If you ever shop for aluminum rims you'll notice that the plated ones are much more expensive than the polished equivalent. There's a reason for that. They are worth it! ;)
 
Oven cleaner takes anodizing off if that's what they are. A few people I know used it on bike hubs. It may take a few applications but its still easier than sanding.


EDIT: whoops looks like somebody beat me to it.
 
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