[johnrobholmes]

After it has done taking the anodizing off, put the parts into a bath of water and baking soda. Get the mixture as thick as possible, and use the soda to polish the aluminum and neutralize the lye at the same time. If you don't do this it will etch the aluminum and turn it nasty grey. If the Lye gets on you, wash it with vinegar or baking soda. Don't just wash it with water, the burn will happen from a few minutes to a few hours later depending on how thick your skin is. Lye is a very basic solution on the ph scale.