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I have a chassis with alloy wheels of the same pattern all round, however the fronts are anodised grey. Google searches tell me  anodisation can be removed using oven cleaner - but does anyone have any alternative ways please?

[KensRedZed]

I would not mess with trying to remove anodizing.

Anodizing and etching is a hardening process on top of the colour aspect. Using harsh chemicals like oven cleaner (caustic soda is the key and dangerous ingredient) might mess up the little threads that grab the set screw.

I would try to match all four wheels another way like with paint, inserts, or both.

Ken

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Ah. Well. They're proper, scale, pierced 5-spoked alloys.

I suppose I could paint them but ...

[chrisguyw]

This works, quick and easy !!......... I have done it many times. It will not ruin detail or grub screw threads.

Cheers
Chris Walker

https://youtu.be/bNAB45zQUtk

[Top Down]

Thanks for that. Does it leave the alloy bright and shiny, or matt and dull?

[KensRedZed]

Thanks Chris. That was cool.

I used to clean Edelbrock aluminum intake manifolds with oven cleaner. It's a bit time sensitive. The longer you leave the aluminum in the solution, the duller it gets.

After all is said and done. I hope your wheels match. 

[chrisguyw]

Thanks for that. Does it leave the alloy bright and shiny, or matt and dull?

If you do not let your wheel/part soak for too long it will come out bright and shiny !!

It is best to take the part out a few times to check when the anodizing is removed......give it a good wash and you are done.

If you want, or feel you need more shine, a little metal polish (Simichrome is wonderful) will work. If you want matt/dull, a quick shot of Tamiya TS "Flat" or "Semigloss will do the trick.

For the wheels on older model cars, I do like to spray the wheels with Tamiya TS aluminum..........much more realistic, as the wheels on the "oldies" were invariably painted, not the polished aluminum finish of the newer cars.

Cheers
Chris Walker

[Scuderia_Turini]

Ah... that is what "Oven Cleaner" is for, I have often wondered.

Leo :-)