Sodium Hydroxide as pre-prep?

[KeithLambert7]

Anyone out there used Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda or Lye) as an alternative to media blasting off paints, powders and greases? It's only about 5 bucks for 5 gals or so I'm told.

I understand it works well, and wondered is someone could explain the process and neutralizing rinse step?

Thanks,

Keith
Post edited due to violation of the Terms of Use

http://www.caswellplating.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=1482

This is a forum for caswell so please keep the other companies name out .
customandsound

[trsick]

Re Soduim Hydroxide

Hey Keith:
Funny you ask... I have a Chem salesman that has been trying to sell me that same stuff. He just dropped of a 5 galln sample. In one word "AMAZING"!!
I soaked some items (rusty metal, pre powder coated items & painted items) In less than 10 minutes it came out completely clean! I even dipped new metal & it came out looking polished.
If you can get it grab it!
Bob

[KeithLambert7]

Bob,

How do you neutralize it after dipping to stop the corrosive process? Have you tried it on aluminum?

I read the Safety Data sheets on the stuff, and it's not the worst stuff in the world to deal with (compared to Aircraft Paint Stripper for example).

I guess guys have been using it for some time to remove Anodizing. I'm told it relatively inexpensive since it used to create soap (Lye)? But is often called Caustic Soda also.

Keith

[trsick]

Re: Sodium Hydroxide

Hey Keith:
I just got it (sample) so, bear with me as I am learning with you. The saleman that gave me the sample told me he could sell me some other chem to neutralize. But at the same time he aslo said I could get away wih just letting it drip dry & then rinse in water & then dry it off. So that is what I have been doing.
My brother in-law is a Sr. Chemist & is now in the process of making me some Sodium Hydroxide to help me keep the cost down (the saleman wants $25.00 per gallon & only sells 55 gallon drums). My Brother In-law can make the same stuff for about $3.00 per gallon. He also is going to make me some neutralizer, by the sounds of it. It (neutralizer) can be made from the same PH+ used in swimming pools.
So really right now I don't now enough to advise anyone on it, all I can say is from what I have witnessed is it works awesome & could be a HUGE labor saver over media blasting. I have not tried it on Aluminium but will try some today & let you know.
If you want to call me you can find my phone# on my website.
Good Luck
Bob

[pickleboy]

If this stuff is really just lye basically then vinager will neutralize it. just a thought.

[trsick]

Re: Sodium Hydroxide

If this stuff is really just lye basically then vinager will neutralize it. just a thought.

Good Point!
Bob

https://www.capecodpowdercoating.com

[boink]

Re: Sodium Hydroxide as pre-prep?

I have used it, and the results are not good for me..

Aluminum has an extremely volatile reaction with it. (a lot of parts I do are aluminum.)

It had no effect on cured powder, at all.

It did, however, get a lot of contaminates off of steel (rust, etc)