The anodized layer is about 0.001" to 0.005" (0.025mm to 0.025mm) thick. It's composed of aluminum substrate that has been electrochemically converted to aluminum oxide which is fairly inert.
Clean aluminum will almost instantly develop a molecular level layer of aluminum oxide when exposed to oxygen in the atmosphere, that's why aluminum is relatively corrosion resistant.
Sodium hydroxide also known as lye or caustic soda will attack the anodizing. Some paint strippers contain sodium hydroxide, so do common oven cleaners.
Methylene chloride is a strong solvent and is the active ingredient in many brands of paint strippers, Jasco brand being a popular one.
Read the label on the container carefully as Jasco makes several different types of strippers.
I like Citrustrip remover. It's a citrus based product. It works fast on some paints and not so fast on other but it's probably safer to use than the other chemicals.
It also works great for removing old sewup rim cement from rims!
This site talks about various issues, Google "paint removal" or "paint stripping" and you'll find a lot more:
http://www.askthebuilder.com/
Be sure to use rubber gloves and eye protection when using harsh chemical like paint strippers!
Chas. Colerich Oakland, CA USA
Todd Grantham wrote:
> I have a Nuovo Record crankset which has painted flutes that are not going to match the new intended purpose. Anyone know if I can use a paint remover or stripper and keep from removing the anondization from the alloy?
>
> Thanks
> Todd Grantham
> Fort Wayne IN