Invisible Alodine update

[BillWilliams]

Talked to a fellow experienced using Alodine as an aluminum sealer or as a paint prep for aluminum, he uses DX501 and DX 503. Both PPG products one invisible and one gold tone.

Very effective if applied over freshly prepped aluminum, i.e. bead blasted. Spray it on, rinse it off. However, it is not recommended for use on parts already on the car or not freshly bead blasted. Little pricey I understand.

[Mike Self]

Alodine provide a frosted appearance--like an unpolished valve cover, or does it make the alumimum shiny, like a piece of exterior trim. Can it be used over freshly buffed aluminum trim?

mike

[auggiemize]

To add to Mike's question, can it be used on said trim in lieu of re-anodizing?

[02Nut]

Thanks for the update. I will do a little more investigation on this invisible stuff. As I mentioned before, the gold/yellow stuff is what most people think of when you say "alodine".

My concern with conversion coatings for aluminum (in general) is the "nastiness" of the chemicals - I remember proper handling of alodine required respirators, gloves, documented disposal, etc.

[BillWilliams]

metal to show through, bead blasted surface will be frosty, polished - shiny

I can not speak for the toxicity except that a HAZMAT charge applies for shipping

[02Nut]

Looking at the datasheets on PPG's site, this stuff doesn't seem too toxic since its intended for use in autobody shops.