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Muriatic Acid to Clean Aluminum. Muriatic acid, or hydrochloric acid as it's also known, is an extremely harsh acid that's sometimes used in the industrial world. Homeowners sometimes use it to clean and etch aluminum surfaces. Muriatic acid cleans and etches aluminum.
In respect to this, what acid will etch aluminum?
A. You should probably use sodium hydroxide, not acid, to etch aluminum. This material is also known as caustic soda, and the chemical formula is NaOH. The most accessible form is probably Drano [paid link to product info at Amazon].
Also know, will muriatic acid clean aluminum wheels?
Muriatic acid, an extremely strong and corrosive acid, can work to quickly remove what seems impossible. It is also important to ensure all of the acid is rinsed from the wheels once cleaning is completed. If any is left on the wheels, it can eat away at the metal rims and any coatings or paint used.
PROJECT SUMMARY
- Thoroughly clean the aluminum and let dry.
- Sand the metal surface with coarse-, then fine-grit sandpaper.
- Apply self-etching primer, let dry, then sand again.
- Apply paint (multiple coats, and sanding between coats, may be necessary).
- Apply enamel sealer.