[GoldRush]

Also I've been happy with Citristrip, since it will take all paint off easily with only one or two applications. This way the aluminum will not be damaged or scratched at all. [links]

[Luke-Jr]

How big of job we are talking about? Acetone or lacquer thinner will do the job on a small scale. A paint striper will be more efficient on a big job. more

[HlllD]

Re: Is it safe to use a wire wheel brush on aluminum to strip paint? more

[gumtree]

I think you can use a brass brush with a light touch.

[dave]

Re: Is it safe to use a wire wheel brush on aluminum to strip paint? [links]

[dacoinminster]

Others believe the use of nitrogen to fill the tires removes moisture from the equation. But a dry nitrogen fill helps only to curb moisture buildup on the inside of the tire. The damage we’re discussing here occurs on the outside of the tire, between the tire and the wheel. It’s hard to imagine how nitrogen’s positive effects could extend to this area. [links]

[Cchild07]

Thanks for your questions, Doug. Most alloy wheels have a clearcoating applied over the outside of the wheel after all machining and polishing has been completed during manufacture. Over time, that coating can become damaged. In some cases, the coating may lift away from the alloy, allowing moisture to penetrate. In other cases, entire chunks of the coating may flake off, giving moisture a chance to interact with the alloy and form corrosion. Water and air combined with aluminum alloy creates aluminum oxide corrosion. more

[wiskathecat]

Damage to the clearcoating usually occurs in areas where the wheel is exposed to the most friction and stress. Early signs of coating damage may appear around the wheel lug holes. Bubbled or discolored coating areas are a tip-off. Abrasion caused by contact with an impact socket during a wheel removal and installation may have caused the original damage. more

[filo_gost]

We’ve tried cleaning the affected area to bright aluminum using emery cloth, surface conditioning discs, abrasive pads, wire wheels, etc. After that, we clean the rim with brake cleaner, coat the bead area with bead sealer, allow the bead sealer to dry, then remount and balance the tire. Despite our efforts, corrosion usually returns six to 12 months later.

[jaymac407]

If the corrosion is light, you may be able to do an adequate cleanup job using the same methods you’ve already tried. Just remember, you want to remove the corrosion, not wheel material, so don’t get carried away. Once the wheel has been cleaned, reapplication of a clearcoating should at least delay the reforming of corrosion. Once again, if you don’t have confidence in your ability to either remove the corrosion or apply the clearcoat, professional reconditioning may be the smart option. [links]

[mstate2]

One other tip - if you do use a wire wheel (worked great for me and if you use a decent grinder - it'll work so much faster than a electric drill version), make sure you use stainless. My welding associate says that regular steel is not compatible with aluminum. more

[Enky1974]

My choice would be to use chemical stripper, so the abrasive methods don't wear down the hull. [links]

[nenolod]

also with a wire brush it will be very rough on the hull, wont give you a smooth finish.

[ryanrus13]

Be very careful with a wire wheel on an aluminum hull. Steel is so much harder than aluminum that a brief lingering on the hull with a running wheel can hole your hull.

[l0v3m32df]

Looks like I better go stock up on SOS pads.

[hypertux]

I used stripper on mine, followed up with a handheld wire brush. Worked just fine.

[elody69]

Re: Stripping Aluminum With Wire Wheel more