Acid etching

[callmej75]

I'm getting alot of aluminum rims in that are polished and they are requesting dark colors. I used an acid etching primer in our wash system at my old job and it worked well for etching polished surfaces for powder coating. Where can I find a nice acid etch wash in low quantities? I am thinking on using this in place of sandblasting which takes a really long time. Any ideas?

[callmej75]

Anyone? Would a parts washer work good for degreasing parts to be coated or would there still be a residue there that would still make me have to blast it?

[Popeye]

We use a coil cleaner to etch our parts.. should be able to pick up a gallon at the local HVAC place or HVAC supply house.
You'll want to degrease the parts before dipping.. usually about 45 secs in the bath does the trick.. your mileage may vary

[callmej75]

Originally Posted by Popeye

We use a coil cleaner to etch our parts.. should be able to pick up a gallon at the local HVAC place or HVAC supply house.
You'll want to degrease the parts before dipping.. usually about 45 secs in the bath does the trick.. your mileage may vary

After the bath, do you follow up rinse it?

[Popeye]

Yep, rinse well in cold water and let dry. Sometimes if we're pinched for time we'll put it in the oven after the rinse to speed things up.

[callmej75]

Originally Posted by Popeye

Yep, rinse well in cold water and let dry. Sometimes if we're pinched for time we'll put it in the oven after the rinse to speed things up.

Cool deal...Thanks man!