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Most aluminum parts these days are protected
by way of artificial oxidation called 'anodic oxidation' or shorter
'anodizing'. ItĄŻs like those steel bridges that develop an intended
surface rust, which protects them against further corrosion. ItĄŻs like
fighting fire with fire.
If an anodized aluminum surface, which
has been treated with Ballistol, is subjected to intensive mechanical
stress such as rubbing or scraping, the artificial oxide layer can be
destroyed. If this happens, the pure unprotected aluminum will be
exposed to air (oxygen) or acids (rain, hand sweat, salt water), which
can cause the aluminum to discolor and develop a grayish marble-ized
appearance. Nota bene: the grey effect is not from the Ballistol. It is
a secondary effect as a result from the destruction of the anodic
oxidation on the surface of the aluminum, which can be the result of
normal mechanical abrasion as it occurs with or without Ballistol.
Example 1: If a line on board a ship is
tied to an aluminum mast in a way that the wind or the motion of the
hull will make it slap against the mast in the same area over and over
again, the boat owner may see a grey mark develop in the area of this
extended abrasive contact between the line and the mast.
Example 2: If you wear an un-anodized
piece of aluminum on your skin e.g. as a pendant around your neck, you
will see both your skin and the aluminum gradually turn black. This is
the result of the acidic residues from human body perspiration attacking
the aluminum. Ballistol will mostly clean the aluminum again.
We have reports from schools in the
Hampton Roads/Norfolk, VA, area that they use Ballistol to clean and
maintain aluminum panels which are part of the outside siding of the
school buildings. Ballistol has also been used to clean and maintain
aluminum body parts of RVs. It makes them appear very clean and shiny.
No permanent discoloration has been reported so far. Ballistol has also
been used to clean and maintain aluminum transmission housings of
various motorcycles. When first applied in some instances the gear box
turned grey. When applied again after a while, Ballistol appeared to
shine the gearbox taking the grey off.
We have no way of knowing how a specific
piece of aluminum equipment has been surface treated. Some aluminums are
not anodized but instead painted with lacquers or varnishes. These may
differ greatly in their consistency and we have naturally no idea what
you might run into. Good quality anodizng is not negatively affected by
Ballistol, not even in permanent contact. Ballistol will not negatively
affect most lacquers and varnishes, but we cannot guarantee that you
might not eventually run into one it might affect.
Ballistol has been used for the treatment
of aluminum parts for over 90 years and there are no reports about
adverse side effects. However, as a measure of prudent precaution, we do
not recommend the immersing of a mall unanodized aluminum parts in
Ballistol for an extended period of time. In case of doubt, treat a
small unobtrusive area with Ballistol first and check for signs of any
adverse side effects.
The information contained in this
document is based on manufacturer data, customer experience and
scientific literature. It is believed to be true and correct to the best
of our knowledge. It may be subject to change without notice.
We are certain that you will find more
amazing uses for BALLISTOL.
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