Topic: Anyone ever use alumiprep?

[ksmith0034]

Anyone ever use alumiprep?  I just ordered a qt bottle from aircraftspruce.com ($16.95)
I will let you know how it works.   

[736cc]

Prepping aluminum  for what?

[TwoTired]

Yes, I've used it.
It etches the oxide off just prior to paint... So, you don't have to use a special aluminum paint to etch the oxide while painting.

Alumiprep for aluminum, Metalprep for ferrous surfaces.

cheers,

[ksmith0034]

Just to clarify, I am trying to clean all the aluminum goodies that are on this bike.  There are tons of nooks and crannies that I can't get into to get them clean.  I am not looking to piant the aluminum, just clean it and polish it up a bit.
Thanks gang.

[TwoTired]

From the TDS:
Alumiprep 33 is a phosphoric based acidic cleaner used for cleaning, brightening and etching aluminium surfaces.  Alumiprep 33 should not be used on alloys or casting containing copper.  Alumiprep 33 cleans and conditions the surface leaving it corrosion free, ready for welding, painting or chemical coating.


Now just me...
You should be aware that little, if any, of the aluminum on your bike is pure aluminum.  It is mostly alloy, meaning it was blended with other metals.  Although, I don't know that these alloys contain copper, you might try an obscured area to apply as a test.  Also, I doubt that the alloys used on the bike are uniform composition, meaning different parts can be of different alloy ingredients.  You may wish to consider testing each piece.

cheers,

[hopterfixer]

One would usually use alumiprep prior to applying alodine.

[aptech77]

I use it at work all the time. I also used it on my engine before I painted. Great stuff. Did you get the alodine also? You should have.

[750essess]

I used alumiprep and alodine also. It makes sort of a grainy pattern on the aluminum alloy covers, kind of like a damascus knife. I thought it looked so cool i didnt paint it and is holding up very well so far. Alot better than polishing the sucker all the time. The alodine does not work on the sprocket cover, it must be zinc or something.

[ksmith0034]

what does the alodine do?

[750essess]

Its a chemical conversion that keeps the aluminum from corroding.

[Short Round]

would you guys that have used this, would you say this is the best way to go for paint prep?

[stearmandriver]

Just to make sure you understand.  Alumiprep is an acid etching solution!  It is only used on bare aluminum prior to alodine and paint.  You can stop after alodine if you like the look of alodined parts.  Its best if you prime and paint over the alodine for longest lasting protection.  Alumiprep is NOT a cleaning and brightening product, ie. "I'm looking forward to that big ride on Saturday,  I think I will Alumiprep the engine covers so they shine for the ride." 

I'm not trying to be a wiseacre,  I just don't want anyone making a mistake that might damage their machine.  I restore aircraft as another hobby and use the stuff all the time.  It is for bare, pure aluminum sheeting and parts.  Used prior to the application of alodine and further coatings.

Good luck!
Dave

[aptech77]

 

[ksmith0034]

Here is the result of one very short test on my rear hub:  it is now clean.
I did not notice anything drastic.  Nothing shiny, nothing turned black.  Just a bit cleaner.
Now I know.