What to use to clean enlargers

tkamiya

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with wealth of experience in this group, I am hoping someone has an idea on how I can accomplish this.

I am trying to refurbish an old Omega D-II enlarger. This enlarger appears to have spent years in not-so-clean environment. Aluminum pillar has gray coating on it and bare metal parts such as the slider for the focusing mechanism has what appears to be validated.

I tried mineral spirits, denatured alcohol, and of course the good old Windex but none seems to work well. I am really not wanting to use anything too abrasive.

Has anyone saved similarly old enlarger willing to share experience?
 

Anscojohn

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I collect vintage military firearms which can sometimes need some significant cleaner.

You are probably dealing with a combination of oxidation and crud.

Have you tried Simple Green? If that does not work, before going to an abrasive, I, myself, would try acetone. Be sure to do that away from flame and in plenty of ventilation.

Another chemical suggestion: there is, iirc, a variation of the rust-remover, Naval Jelly, which is made for aluminum.

Actually, come to think of it, I might try really hot water, a bristle brush, and Comet cleanser, but household cleansers can be pretty abrasive.

There is a very mild abrasive polish called Simachrome but it will be slow going.
 

Rick Jones

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Harry Taylor at Classic Enlargers has a lot of information on how he goes about refurbishing Omega enlargers. Sounds to me like you may have to consider stripping the old paint if you want a first class job. On Harry's site do a search for "painting" for some good tips.
 

bsdunek

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Just a comment on your recommendations, Anscojohn.
Simple Green is good stuff - I agree. Acetone is good for cutting grease, but be careful around plastic and paint, it can disolve both.
Navel Jelly is actually for ferrous rust. Aluminum Jelly is for aluminum. It will leave a dull finish, but both do their respective jpbs.
Yes, Comet is pretty agressive, and Simachrome is a finishing polish. Bartenders Friend might be a good choice.
 

jeffreyg

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I can't tell you what to clean the aluminum with but you could call a window frame company as they probably run into similar conditions. Once you have it clean consider protecting it with Renaissance wax available from Light Impressions. I have used it on brass and bronze as well as steel and it has worked well.
 
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tkamiya

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As I work with this problem, I am finding the problems are mostly oxidation on plated surfaces, just plain dirt and grime on painted surfaces, and some sort of CLEAR COAT/PAINT on aluminum surfaces that became dirty/contaminated with age.

I had good luck with ultra-fine steel wool with rubbing compound with oxidation. Plating came off but oh well. Behind it was brass.

Some sort of paint/clear-coat is being problematic. I used the same mechanical removal but it's a lot of work and if I went any further, I'd be damaging it. I had mild success with solvent sold under the name of Goo-be-gone.
 
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