Maintenance of Aluminum Cathodes

[liv2fish2]

I'm sure this has been addressed in previouse threads, but I couldn't locate one on this topic. My question is what kind of maintenance do you need to do to your aluminum cathodes between anodizing runs? I noticed after my first anodizing attempt that my cathode plates anodized. I have heard some people saying their plates last for years. Doesn't the anodized film need to be removed so you don't have electrical resistance? Or can you keep resusing them without dipping them in lye every so often? Thanks!

P.S. - I have a hard time locating battery acid where I am at, but muriatic acid is readily available and this is what I'm using. Should I be concerned about this? Sorry, I'm brand new at this and really stumbling along!

[lcaswell]

Muriatic acid won't work.

[destroyer125]

The aluminum piece being a cathode it doesnt anodize. The acid will slowly etch the plate until there is nothing left. There is no need to etch the plate every now and then

And no Muriatic (hydrochloric) acid wont work

[liv2fish2]

Thanks for the advice. I guess my aluminum cathodes were just slightly etched & turned gray. They just appeared to be anodized at first glance. Thanks again!

In addition, I did actually find some sulfuric acid at an old autoparts store, so now I can try practicing some more!

[stick076]

Per advice from Caswell, I bought 5 gallons of battery acid from Napa for around $14.