Can I sand an ANODIZED coating off?

[nsxohio]

I recently got an nsx that came with red anodized lug nuts. I actually don't like the red color. I think it is ricey. Also I think they look faded and are now closer to pink then red. SOOO I was wondering if I could sand them down to just get a bare metal look.

Thanks
Tom

 

[nsxot1c]

As far as lug nuts strength and reliability is key. I wouldn't suggest sanding them. You may be able to wire wheel them in a bench grinder setup and remove some of the pink annodizing but it may be safer/a better idea to just order a new set of lugs. Not worth risking safety when it comes to lug nuts.

 

[nsxohio]

I was thinking about just HAND sanding them. Would that be to harsh on them? I didn't really want to buy new lugs because these are some expensive light weight lug nuts.

 

[Jeff@Carbon6]

http://youtu.be/bNAB45zQUtk

 

[britlude]

yup, oven cleaner....

the vid above shows how easy it is, but they might as well have just painted the anodised item and not worry about the unprotected aluminium corroding later under the paint! defeated the whole point of the exercise when he painted the stripped item at the end!

or as the OP suggested, fine sanding can get it off, as can hitting it with a polishing mop

 

[TANTO]

Anodizing remover is available in a small bottle. I'm sorry i cannot remember where i say it, but if you goog anodizing remover i'm sure you can find it. Sanding would be a mess, you could have it bead blasted, but you will have a dull finish then. Are you sure you actually want aluminum lug nuts? You can of course have them re anodized in clear, that would be the best way to go, but many shops will not do auto parts.

 

[Russ]

Anodizing is clear, the color comes from a dye applied afterward. Since black is a darker color than pink, you may be able to re-dye them directly to black.

 

[britlude]

as i understand it, the part is anodised, then it's dyed while the anodising 'pores' are open and can accept the dye. they are then put in boiling water which seals the pores, trapping the dye.

the easiest, easiest way is to give them to an anodisers and ask them to strip the coating. this will leave a clean, tho dull surface to start from.

hth

 

[Stephen@NCAutoUSA]

Sounds like a decent amount of work to recoat them properly black. May be easier to just pick up a set of gorilla spine drive lug nuts and call it a night.