Aluminum frame - stripping and polishing advice?

[Knightrider]

I am in the process of cleaning up my Orange O2 frame - polished alu which came from the factory with a coating of clear lacquer. The lacquer is quite faded and dull, peeling in places, so I am going for a full strip, polish and new decals from Gil.

I have started with Nitromors but it is very slow going - 3 applications to the rear of the frame so far and there is still some adherent lacquer . Does anyone have any other suggestions, or do I just need to stick with it?

And once done, is it advisable to get it relacquered? Or just keep it polished?

 

[mdvineng]

Notromors ain't what it used to be due to safety regs changing. Options are to stick with it or take to a dippers but not caustic dipping. If you like polishing, leave it bare but a recoat is probably more practical.

 

[rwm1962]

Screwfix paint stripper is better.

 

[Kevhl]

https://www.maxolen.co.uk/power-strip-strong-paint-striper-various-sizes-1ltr-2-5ltr-5ltr-25-ltrI use the above, it's like using Nitromors of the past as in it works and it will burn your skin. Just did a modern full suspension frame very good stuff.
Raw then use something like this to polish: http://briliantpolish.co.uk/ It's amazing stuff.

 

[Knightrider]

Thanks - will take a look.

If I was considering recoating, any recommendations for someone who would do a clear powdercoat at a reasonable price? Decals under coating, or on top?!

 

[rwm1962]

Powder Shack - https://www.facebook.com/thepowdershackcoating

 

[Knightrider]

Thanks.

An alternative that I was considering was to leave the frame raw and put on a ceramic coating - e.g. bicycle armour or waxisdead. Anyone tried this? Will it reduce oxidation?

 

[rwm1962]

I've a similar project pending (Aluminium Elite). I'll be trying something like that rather than clear powdercoat

 

[Knightrider]

I might try it - for £40 ish, if it doesn't work I'll just go back to polishing!

 

[Kevhl]

https://www.maxolen.co.uk/power-strip-strong-paint-striper-various-sizes-1ltr-2-5ltr-5ltr-25-ltrI use the above, it's like using Nitromors of the past as in it works and it will burn your skin. Just did a modern full suspension frame very good stuff.
Raw then use something like this to polish: http://briliantpolish.co.uk/ It's amazing stuff.

For reference, first pass with the polish after removing the paint on this frame.