Removing coating from an aluminium stem

[Johnsqual]

Hello,

I've got a black ITM stem that I'd like to strip and polish.

Is there any way to tell if the stem is either powder coated or anodised?
E.g. if you put a certain product on it, will it react differently to powder coating or
anodising?

I've successfully removed anodising before using oven cleaner, but never had to work with powder coat.

Cheers,

Johnny

 

[Jonny69]

Powder coat will act like paint and it feels like a painted surface. Anodising will look and feel like a metallic surface - and it's very thin. Paint stripper will remove powdercoat. Or take some time and sand it back.

 

[hamster]

Seeming as black ones are generally going for more than plain ones, I'd be tempted to sell on and buy a replacement.

 

[ScillySuffolk]

^ This. Seems like a lot of effort, when plain stems are ten-a-penny.

But to answer your question, the difference between powder coat and anodising is obvious: compare it to eg your cranks (anodised) and frame (painted).

Also look at where the stem is inserted into the steerer: there'll be a distinct ridge if it's powder coated, otherwise the diameter would be effected..