BONDERITE

Bonderite Aircraft Surface Treatment Guide

Bonderite® surface treatment chemicals from Henkel are widely used in aerospace manufacturing, aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and other applications where aluminum must be cleaned, prepared, and protected against corrosion. Business Aircraft Consumables (BAC) stocks the Bonderite products most commonly used on aircraft aluminum, in the container sizes maintenance operations actually consume.

Selecting the correct Bonderite product is important when preparing aircraft aluminum. The product must match the step in the process, the substrate, the application method, and the finish called out in the applicable maintenance documentation. Using the correct product in the correct sequence helps provide proper surface conditioning, supports paint adhesion, and improves consistency of the finished coating.

BAC carries Bonderite M-CR 1201 (Alodine 1201) chromate conversion coating, Bonderite C-IC Alumiprep 33 aluminum cleaner and brightener, and the Bonderite M-CR 1132 Alodine Touch-N-Prep pen. Many Bonderite products are still referred to in the field by their original Alodine, Alumiprep, and Turco names.

Whether you are maintaining aircraft, supporting an MRO operation, preparing a repair area for paint, or sourcing replacement chemistry for your shop, this guide can help you identify the Bonderite product that best matches your application.

Bonderite Product Types

Henkel manufactures Bonderite products for different stages of the aluminum surface preparation process. The table below provides a quick reference to the Bonderite products available from BAC, including their chemistry characteristics, common aerospace applications, and important considerations when selecting a product.

Bonderite, Alodine, Alumiprep, and Turco Names

Henkel consolidated several long-established surface treatment product lines under the Bonderite brand name. Products previously sold as Alodine, Alumiprep, and Turco are now identified by Bonderite designations, and technical documentation commonly lists both. Alodine 1201 is now Bonderite M-CR 1201, and Turco Alumiprep 33 is now Bonderite C-IC Alumiprep 33.

Both naming conventions remain in use across maintenance manuals, engineering drawings, and shop practice. If your documentation references an Alodine, Alumiprep, or Turco designation, compare it against the current Bonderite designation on the product page or contact BAC for assistance.

The Two-Step Surface Preparation Process

Bonderite liquid products are typically used as a sequence rather than individually. A chromate conversion coating performs only as well as the surface prepared beneath it. A representative process consists of the following steps:

1. Clean and brighten the aluminum with Bonderite C-IC Alumiprep 33 to remove oxide and surface contamination.
2. Rinse thoroughly with water. Inadequate rinsing may contaminate the conversion coating step or result in a surface condition that can cause corrosion of the finished part.
3. Apply the conversion coating using Bonderite M-CR 1201 on the chemically cleaned surface.
4. Rinse and dry in accordance with the applicable product and maintenance documentation.

Always follow the process, dwell times, and temperatures specified in the current Henkel technical process bulletin and in the applicable aircraft or component maintenance documentation.

Liquid Application vs. Touch-Up Pen

One of the most important considerations when selecting a Bonderite conversion coating product is the application method. Liquid Bonderite M-CR 1201 is applied by brush or immersion and requires a cleaned surface and a rinse step. The Bonderite M-CR 1132 Touch-N-Prep pen is a self-contained applicator designed for localized touch-up without a rinse step.

The correct choice depends on the size of the area being treated, the practicality of rinsing and containment at the work location, and the requirements of the application. Before ordering, compare the area to be coated, the available work environment, and the fastener, repair, or surface condition being addressed.

What Is a Chromate Conversion Coating?

A chromate conversion coating is a chemical treatment that reacts with the aluminum surface to form a protective film rather than sitting on top of it as a separate layer. On aluminum, the resulting film is typically gold to tan in color and is used both to reduce corrosion on unpainted surfaces and to improve the bond between the substrate and subsequent primer and topcoat.

Bonderite M-CR 1201 is a chromic acid based, hexavalent chromium chemistry. It should be handled with appropriate personal protective equipment and ventilation, and used and disposed of in accordance with the Safety Data Sheet and applicable local regulations.

How to Choose the Correct Bonderite Product

Choosing an aerospace surface treatment involves more than matching a product name. Use the following checklist when selecting a Bonderite product:

1. Identify the step in the process. Determine whether you need a cleaner and brightener, a conversion coating, or a touch-up applicator.
2. Check the documentation callout. Match the product to the Bonderite, Alodine, Alumiprep, or Turco designation specified in the applicable maintenance or engineering documentation.
3. Confirm the application method. Determine whether the application calls for brush, immersion, or pen touch-up.
4. Consider the area to be treated. Large panels and shop work generally call for liquid products; small repairs and field work may be better suited to the touch-up pen.
5. Plan the rinse and containment. Liquid processes require a water rinse and appropriate waste handling.
6. Verify container size and consumption. These are date-coded chemicals, so order quantities you expect to use within the usable life.
7. Review the SDS and technical data. Confirm handling, PPE, and disposal requirements before use.
8. Follow the applicable aircraft maintenance documentation. Always use the products, processes, and finish requirements specified by the applicable aircraft or component maintenance documentation.

Why Bonderite Products Are Used in Aerospace

Aircraft aluminum is exposed to moisture, temperature cycling, and chemical contact throughout its service life. Surface treatments must condition the substrate consistently, support paint adhesion, and provide corrosion protection on both painted and unpainted surfaces. Henkel's Bonderite line covers the cleaning, brightening, and conversion coating steps used in aerospace surface preparation, and the Alodine and Alumiprep designations remain widely referenced in aircraft maintenance documentation.

BAC focuses on supplying aviation consumables and maintenance products to aircraft maintenance organizations, MRO facilities, aerospace manufacturers, and aviation professionals. Our Bonderite selection includes the products most commonly encountered in business and general aviation maintenance, with additional sizes and configurations available by special order.

Handling, Shipping, and Shelf Life

• Hazmat and ground shipping. Several Bonderite items ship ground only or as hazardous materials. Shipping restrictions are indicated on each product page, and international orders may require additional documentation.
• Personal protective equipment. Acid-based chemistry requires gloves, eye protection, and adequate ventilation. Review the Safety Data Sheet before use.
• Shelf life. These are date-coded chemicals. Use the BAC shelf life calculator to check material already in your shop.
• Safety Data Sheets. Current SDS documents are available on the BAC SDS page.

Bonderite FAQs

Is Bonderite the same as Alodine?

Alodine is the original trade name for Henkel's chromate conversion coatings. Henkel consolidated its surface treatment products under the Bonderite brand, so Alodine 1201 is now designated Bonderite M-CR 1201. Both names remain in common use in aircraft maintenance.

What is the difference between Alumiprep 33 and Alodine 1201?

They are used at different stages of the same process. Alumiprep 33 is a phosphoric acid based cleaner and brightener that prepares and deoxidizes the aluminum surface. Alodine 1201 is the chromate conversion coating applied afterward. Alumiprep is not a coating, and Alodine is not a cleaner.

Do I need to rinse between Alumiprep 33 and Alodine 1201?

Yes. Thorough water rinsing after cleaning is required. Inadequate rinsing may contaminate the conversion coating step or result in a surface condition that can cause corrosion of the finished part.

Does Alodine 1201 contain hexavalent chromium?

Bonderite M-CR 1201 is a chromic acid based, hexavalent chromium chemistry. Review the Safety Data Sheet and follow applicable PPE, ventilation, and disposal requirements before use.

When should I use the Alodine Touch-N-Prep pen?

The Bonderite M-CR 1132 pen is intended for touch-up and localized repair of conversion coatings, such as scratches, drilled holes, and small areas where rinsing and containment are impractical. Larger areas and shop work generally call for liquid Bonderite M-CR 1201.

Does BAC provide certifications with Bonderite products?

Certification and traceability availability varies by product and lot. Contact BAC before ordering if your operation requires specific documentation and we will confirm what is available for the material being shipped.

Can BAC special order Bonderite products?

BAC stocks the Bonderite products and container sizes most commonly used in business and general aviation maintenance, and additional Henkel products may be available by special order. If you do not see the Bonderite designation or size you need, contact BAC for assistance.

Shop Bonderite at BAC

Browse the complete Bonderite selection at Business Aircraft Consumables. Shop by product and container size to find the surface treatment chemistry required for your aircraft maintenance or aerospace application.

Looking for a specific Bonderite, Alodine, or Alumiprep designation? Use the search on our website or call 1-888-239-6625 for assistance finding the correct product for your application.