Re: mill finish prep
Etching the parts in a sodium hydroxide (lye) solution after the degrease/cleaner and before the de-ox step may be beneficial in giving a more even and consistent color and appearance. Mill finished aluminum can vary greatly in the oxide layer which will be present, and in my opinion a sodium hydroxide etch is vastly superior to a sulfuric/ferric acid based de-ox solution in removing aluminum oxide.
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