And while we're on the subject......
I've got 2 old fluted alloy Coloral bottles that have been anodized a rather nauseating (IMHO), lime-ish, gang-green. I haven't a single bike that they will look good on and probably never will (unless Bruce miraculously finds a tall-frame, forest-green, Flying Scot for me).
Just how much of an atrocity would it be if I polished off the green anodizing and restored the Aluminum finish?
No hate mail, please (laughter might rip the stitches the dentist left in my gums)
Calvert Guthrie Kansas City (where we have at least 6ix folks on the CR list)
In a message dated 5/29/2001 10:54:06 AM Central Daylight Time, mbikealive@earthlink.net writes:
> Bob,
>
> I mirror polish aluminum, so I have some experience in making aluminum look
> good. I do not know of any product that will do what you seek. If you find
> something, let me know. Once oxidation is evident, you can clean it up
> either
> mechanically or chemically. The chemical method (very caustic stuff) will
> result in a very, very dull finish. Really, the only way that is
> aesthetically
> acceptable is to use the mechanical method (by hand or machine) using a
> polishing compound. Kerosene is a good degreasing product, and will not
> harm
> aluminum, but will do nothing in terms of improving the finish. Do not use
> household degreasers (409, Fantastic, etc.) for aluminum, no matter if the
> alum.
> is anodized or not. Many of those household products will stain aluminum.
>
> Marc Boral