How to Clean Anodized Aluminum Frame

Dalton · September 18, 2013, 07:28 PM

Hey guys

I have a Beretta 92fs that was a police trade in. It has very minimal wear, but it does have some dark patches, especially where the crotch of your hand would rest on the back of the grip.

How can I clean the anodized aluminum frame of the gun as best as I can without damaging the finish. I've heard various things, like one site said to not use heat while cleaning. It said if you were using water on it, to use cool water. I'd heard that Taurus cleans similar finish with WD-40, but Beretta specifically says not to use that. My thought now is Hoppe's #9 and maybe dawn and cool water.

Thanks for any help or tips you guys can give me.

Niner4Tango · September 19, 2013, 04:23 PM

I am wondering how a dark patch could show up on a black 92FS frame

They're already as dark as they can get.

You're on the right track for cleaning it though. I would use lighter fluid, then WD40, then soapy water. Use a toothbrush and work on it slowly. If none of those get it, maybe your finish is damaged? Good luck.

ShootingNut · September 19, 2013, 04:51 PM

Niner,
The frame (unusual for police trade-in) may be like a Inox?

Dfariswheel · September 19, 2013, 06:28 PM

It's more likely the dark areas are simply wear of the anodized finish, in which case there's nothing to be done short of a total refinish of the frame.
When an anodized silver aluminum finish wears it gets a dark blotchy color.

To clean, you can use most solvents like lacquer thinner or paint thinner, or a ordinary kitchen spray cleaner like 409, but NOT a strong degreaser like Simply Green or Greased Lightning.
These strong cleaners attack and damage aluminum.

You could also coat the area with some CLP Breakfree and let soak overnight, then wipe it off.
A bore solvent like Hoppe's #9 on a patch with some gently rubbing will work.
Neither of these can harm the finish.

If after whatever cleaning method the dark areas are still there, it's worn finish and nothing can be done without refinishing the entire frame.

Walt Sherrill · September 19, 2013, 06:57 PM

Quote:

The frame (unusual for police trade-in) may be like a Inox?

Even the Inox models have an aluminum frame -- which explains the slightly different "look" of the two shades of silver (stainless and aluminum).

Coach Z · September 19, 2013, 10:34 PM

If it's just a minor cleanup that is needed FLITZ polish should take care of it. If it is actually wear through the finish of the gun then you'll need to consider having the frame refinished if you want to solve the "issue" If you go that route Robar is a great company for refinishing.

September 18, 2013, 07:28 PM	#1
Dalton Junior Member Join Date: August 12, 2012 Posts: 11	How to Clean Anodized Aluminum Frame Hey guys I have a Beretta 92fs that was a police trade in. It has very minimal wear, but it does have some dark patches, especially where the crotch of your hand would rest on the back of the grip. How can I clean the anodized aluminum frame of the gun as best as I can without damaging the finish. I've heard various things, like one site said to not use heat while cleaning. It said if you were using water on it, to use cool water. I'd heard that Taurus cleans similar finish with WD-40, but Beretta specifically says not to use that. My thought now is Hoppe's #9 and maybe dawn and cool water. Thanks for any help or tips you guys can give me.

September 19, 2013, 10:34 PM	#6
Coach Z Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2011 Location: RI Posts: 795	If it's just a minor cleanup that is needed FLITZ polish should take care of it. If it is actually wear through the finish of the gun then you'll need to consider having the frame refinished if you want to solve the "issue" If you go that route Robar is a great company for refinishing. __________________ Love my guns

September 19, 2013, 04:23 PM	#2
Niner4Tango Senior Member Join Date: May 28, 2007 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 287	I am wondering how a dark patch could show up on a black 92FS frame They're already as dark as they can get. You're on the right track for cleaning it though. I would use lighter fluid, then WD40, then soapy water. Use a toothbrush and work on it slowly. If none of those get it, maybe your finish is damaged? Good luck.

September 19, 2013, 04:51 PM	#3
ShootingNut Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,475	Niner, The frame (unusual for police trade-in) may be like a Inox?

September 19, 2013, 06:28 PM	#4
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	It's more likely the dark areas are simply wear of the anodized finish, in which case there's nothing to be done short of a total refinish of the frame. When an anodized silver aluminum finish wears it gets a dark blotchy color. To clean, you can use most solvents like lacquer thinner or paint thinner, or a ordinary kitchen spray cleaner like 409, but NOT a strong degreaser like Simply Green or Greased Lightning. These strong cleaners attack and damage aluminum. You could also coat the area with some CLP Breakfree and let soak overnight, then wipe it off. A bore solvent like Hoppe's #9 on a patch with some gently rubbing will work. Neither of these can harm the finish. If after whatever cleaning method the dark areas are still there, it's worn finish and nothing can be done without refinishing the entire frame.