thethumper
Guest
Does that mean I can or can't use Naval Jelly on Al tanks, or no?
Stripping & painting AL Tanks
- Thread starter drake
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Does that mean I can or can't use Naval Jelly on Al tanks, or no?
FredT
Guest
thethumper once bubbled...
Does that mean I can or can't use Naval Jelly on Al tanks, or no?
:banging: Naval jelly is designed to be used to remove rust, NOT paint!
I have never seen a case where it would be needed on AL!
That said, I'd avoid it if possible. There is a product called "Aluminum Jelly" used to brighten structural & architectual aluminum railings if heavily discolored, but the discoloration is caused by a tightly adhering passive corrosion film that actually helps prevent seawater corrosion. Leave it be unless you have other overriding considerations.
FT
thethumper
Guest
That would be a no. That's sufficient. I used to use Naval jelly to strip blocks & heads of paint, that's why I asked. The adhesive on the paint on these 2 Al80's is shot. I peeled the VIP & Mnfgr stickers off & the paint came w/it. I was able to flake it off w/my nail. So it's back to bare Al & Scotch Brite.
Thanks!
Thanks!
FredT
Guest
Just take it to a coin operated car wash and hit it with the wand at maximum force. Should be done in a few minutes for less than $3
FT
FT
thethumper
Guest
Thanks Fred. I don't have a pressure washer, but though about it, but hadn't considered the self car wash. Good idea. Thank You.
David
joel_pratt
Guest
I have used black beauty to blast all of my aluminum 80's. I leave it sans paint and they have so far lasted 2 years with no problems. Both have been through Hydro and multiple vis+ inspections as well as being thrown around. Marking is not as noticable and no paint to peel. Our local lds only rents aluminum tanks that came with a blasted, raw finish...they always look new!
Do not apply direct heat to your cylinders...
350 degrees F is enough to condemn an aluminum cylinder!
Also, stickers that MAY obscure corrosion/cuts/dings/gouges SHOULD be removed during the Visual Cylinder Inspection done by a PSI Certified inspector.
What image did you have in mind?
C_C
350 degrees F is enough to condemn an aluminum cylinder!
Also, stickers that MAY obscure corrosion/cuts/dings/gouges SHOULD be removed during the Visual Cylinder Inspection done by a PSI Certified inspector.
What image did you have in mind?
C_C
Repainting your tank may cause you problems at your next visual inspection - this is one of the indicators that a tank may need to be referred for hydro. The inspector can't see what you hid under the paint job and will also be concerned about that you might have baked the finish and destroyed the tank.
Additionally, getting paint to adhere to the surface of many tanks is very difficult. Galvanized finishes and other surfaces aren't designed to take paint well and you should never thermal cure a scuba tank - even empty of air.
If you want to paint your tanks, start with the manufacturer. They usually can provide the best information and instructions on how to proceed.
Likewise, stickers must be removed prior to inspection so that the surface of the tank can be seen. Little stickers sometimes come off without being destroyed, big ones never do. Stickers also tend to trap water against the tank, magnifying the corrosion problem enormously.
Then again, you could view those dings and scrapes as memories and well-earned scars and leave the surface alone. Your tanks will probably last longer if you leave well enough alone. There are stickers and nylon mesh (available on eBay and many dive shops) but remember that, come inspection time, if they don't come off easily they will need to come off hard.
Steven
Additionally, getting paint to adhere to the surface of many tanks is very difficult. Galvanized finishes and other surfaces aren't designed to take paint well and you should never thermal cure a scuba tank - even empty of air.
If you want to paint your tanks, start with the manufacturer. They usually can provide the best information and instructions on how to proceed.
Likewise, stickers must be removed prior to inspection so that the surface of the tank can be seen. Little stickers sometimes come off without being destroyed, big ones never do. Stickers also tend to trap water against the tank, magnifying the corrosion problem enormously.
Then again, you could view those dings and scrapes as memories and well-earned scars and leave the surface alone. Your tanks will probably last longer if you leave well enough alone. There are stickers and nylon mesh (available on eBay and many dive shops) but remember that, come inspection time, if they don't come off easily they will need to come off hard.
Steven
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