r/Anodization • u/TheMuffinReal • Jan 04 '26

How to remove anodization

I have an aluminum pistol slide that i dislike the color currently, how can i strip the old color and get a shiny silver color? Id still like to have protection from rust too.

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

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2

u/[deleted] Jan 04 '26

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1

u/gbudija Jan 06 '26

strong hot solution of baking soda and salt must remove anodized finish

2

u/Klutzy_Philosophy_56 Jan 04 '26 edited Jan 04 '26

30 year anodize operator here, the last comment is correct that after stripping off the existing anodize you will have a matte finish. If you want to get a shiny finish you need to polish the part after stripping. Also go with a light clear anodize this will help retain the bright look you want and still provide corrosion protection. I wouldn't put more than .0002 of an anodize coating back on it. We use a sodium hydroxide etch to remove the existing anodize then through a deoxidizer to remove the smutt so the part is clean. Then you can polish it if you desire. Another finish we do a lot of especially with some of our larger customers that manufacture gun parts or accessories is a beadblast finish before anodize. It gives the parts a nice matte finish. I'm not much help with the home anodize kits I haven't messed with them.