Lye vs Borax

ADIDAS69 · March 27, 2018, 12:32 AM

I’m going to build an AR in clear gloss. No manufacturer will let me special order non anodized parts (aka “in the white”). I have used a weak lye solution in the past to strip black anodizing; before taking it to my local fabricator and having them apply the clear anodizing. My daughter recently decided slime is awesome so there is a ton of Borax around the house. Has anyone tried and know a solution of borax that will strip anodizing. Yes I know I could sand blast, my local fabricator even offered to, but they’re a tad indelicate.

JeepHammer · March 27, 2018, 06:29 AM

Badger Ordnance
http://www.badgerstateordnance.com/a...-non-anodized/

Aeropercision sells builders sets in the white also.

Most times you have to order & wait until a new batch comes through since everything is often sent to the finishing people straight away.

Another option is to find a machine shop that cranks out aluminum parts and chuck your common builder set in the deburring vibrator.
Screw a barrel nut on the upper threads before you do this, the abrasive will attack threads.

ADIDAS69 · March 27, 2018, 10:39 AM

I actually have a heavy duty 40lb tumbler. Do you know what media works best? The upper and lower and buffer tube should fit easily, the hand guard is a problem. Meh maybe I’ll just obtain more lye, we hates going to Seattle we dose.

JeepHammer · March 27, 2018, 02:20 PM

Ceramic will plug up some on the anodizing, so wet it down.
I use the little bologna cut cylinders to take the anodizing off.

redlightrich · March 29, 2018, 10:38 PM

When restoring old cars with aluminum brightwork, I used EZ Off oven cleaner. Spray it on, let it soak, rinse it off and anodizing was gone.
Actually worked well. It also removed plastic "chrome".

It may be worth a try. Available in the supermarket.

Jim Watson · March 30, 2018, 09:29 AM

It used to be the fashion around here to eat the black anodizing off the aluminum frames of Commanders and Blackhawks with Drano, which contains mostly lye. I kind of like the two tone look, but you have to be careful, one guy got the mix too strong and left it too long, almost dissolved his receiver.

I could not google any mention of using borax to remove anodizing. No matter how much your daughter has, you will be better off to get some lye that you know works.

**Unclenick** · March 31, 2018, 01:51 PM

All the caustic removers, like lye, Greased Lightning, Formula 409, etcetera, will etch the aluminum underneath to some degree. This is an interesting read about an acidic method, but be cautioned the chromic acid is highly toxic and there are EPA regulations surrounding its disposal.

Bill DeShivs · March 31, 2018, 03:13 PM

EZ Off or equivalent is what I use for removing anodizing.

March 27, 2018, 12:32 AM	#1
ADIDAS69 Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2009 Location: Seattle Posts: 381	Lye vs Borax I’m going to build an AR in clear gloss. No manufacturer will let me special order non anodized parts (aka “in the white”). I have used a weak lye solution in the past to strip black anodizing; before taking it to my local fabricator and having them apply the clear anodizing. My daughter recently decided slime is awesome so there is a ton of Borax around the house. Has anyone tried and know a solution of borax that will strip anodizing. Yes I know I could sand blast, my local fabricator even offered to, but they’re a tad indelicate. __________________ "...I would walk with my people if I could find them..."

March 27, 2018, 10:39 AM	#3
ADIDAS69 Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2009 Location: Seattle Posts: 381	I actually have a heavy duty 40lb tumbler. Do you know what media works best? The upper and lower and buffer tube should fit easily, the hand guard is a problem. Meh maybe I’ll just obtain more lye, we hates going to Seattle we dose. __________________ "...I would walk with my people if I could find them..."

March 31, 2018, 01:51 PM	#7
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,060	All the caustic removers, like lye, Greased Lightning, Formula 409, etcetera, will etch the aluminum underneath to some degree. This is an interesting read about an acidic method, but be cautioned the chromic acid is highly toxic and there are EPA regulations surrounding its disposal. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

March 31, 2018, 03:13 PM	#8
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,981	EZ Off or equivalent is what I use for removing anodizing. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

March 27, 2018, 06:29 AM	#2
JeepHammer Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2015 Posts: 1,768	Badger Ordnance http://www.badgerstateordnance.com/a...-non-anodized/ Aeropercision sells builders sets in the white also. Most times you have to order & wait until a new batch comes through since everything is often sent to the finishing people straight away. Another option is to find a machine shop that cranks out aluminum parts and chuck your common builder set in the deburring vibrator. Screw a barrel nut on the upper threads before you do this, the abrasive will attack threads.

March 27, 2018, 02:20 PM	#4
JeepHammer Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2015 Posts: 1,768	Ceramic will plug up some on the anodizing, so wet it down. I use the little bologna cut cylinders to take the anodizing off.

March 29, 2018, 10:38 PM	#5
redlightrich Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2016 Posts: 322	When restoring old cars with aluminum brightwork, I used EZ Off oven cleaner. Spray it on, let it soak, rinse it off and anodizing was gone. Actually worked well. It also removed plastic "chrome". It may be worth a try. Available in the supermarket.

March 30, 2018, 09:29 AM	#6
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,535	It used to be the fashion around here to eat the black anodizing off the aluminum frames of Commanders and Blackhawks with Drano, which contains mostly lye. I kind of like the two tone look, but you have to be careful, one guy got the mix too strong and left it too long, almost dissolved his receiver. I could not google any mention of using borax to remove anodizing. No matter how much your daughter has, you will be better off to get some lye that you know works.