Powdercoating and anodizing question

[ChemMan]

I am fairly certain that I will be getting my fuchs powdercoating this spring. My question is regarding the anodizing. The place doing it will removed the paint but can powdercoating be applied on top of the anodized layer?
If not, Wayne's book mentioned removing the layer using lye. My edition says that this was not verified at the time. I have access to caustic substances. Will sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide work?
Thanks

[911pcars]

The factory paints the Fuchs wheels after anodizing, so it's okay.

Caveat about powder coating wheels. The coating is thicker than regular paint so it will be more difficult to inspect for cracks if they should appear.

If the anodizing is okay, why remove it? If removal is required, an anodizing company can do it chemically/electrically. As for lye, is that the active ingredient in Easy-Off Oven Cleaner (the chemical of choice for DIYers)? And finally, after removing the anodizing, you'll probably have to refinish the wheel then re-anodize or plan to polish periodically for upkeep.

Sherwood

[vanwyk4257]

Michael, I would just paint them with a quality paint, it will hold up surprisingly well. There have been some discussions here before that baking on the powdercoating can affect the structural integrity of the forged wheels and possilby cause them to become more brittle.

As far as removing the anodizing, get some oven cleaner with lye in it. I believe I have used easy off oven cleaner in the yellow cans. It works like a charm. You may still need to wet sand or use a soft wire wheel or brush to get it all off though. I did it when I polished the lips on my fuchs and it worked out great.

[moneymanager]

Easy Off worked for me, but others have reported it didn't make a dent. I think I remember that there was a change in the anodizing process somewhere along the way which may be relevant. If it does work, prepare for an ugly 2-4 hours per wheel. Like Sherwood, I see no point in removing it.

[ChemMan]

Thank you for the replies. I do not want to remove the anodizing. I just wanted to be sure the powdercoating can be applied to that layer.
Thanks again