Surface treatment for magnesium wheels

Reading the thread on Cromodora paint codes, I remembered a note I made for for myself some time ago, summarizing a procedure I used for preparing magnesium wheels on my Lotus Elan. Magnesium wheels (such as Campagnolos) are very prone to corrosion (never let them sit in water!), and proper treatment is essential. I thought the procedure (from an aircraft maintenance book) might be useful to those with Campagnolos, but it should apply to aluminum wheels as well. Here it is.

SURFACE TREATMENT FOR MAGNESIUM AND ALUMINUM

1. Remove all WD40, etc., with lacquer thinner.
2. Apply paint remover, let soak, and remove with plastic scrapers.
3. Rinse thoroughly.
4. Wear rubber gloves.
5. Mix Alumiprep 33 (1 part Alumiprep to 5 parts water for light oxidation, I part Alumiprep to 2 to 3 parts water for heavy oxidation).
6. Brush the Alumiprep solution on the magnesium or aluminum item, scrubbing oxidized parts with synthetic abrasive. DO NOT ALLOW TO DRY.
7. Rinse thoroughly until water sheets and does not bead.
8. While surface still wet, apply Alodine 1201 with a brush. DO NOT ALLOW TO DRY. About 2 to 5 minutes treatment time. Surface should turn gold.
9. Rinse thoroughly with cold water until water sheets and does not bead.
10. Follow with a warm water rinse (not over 140O F).
11. Let dry for 24 hours. Handle carefully at this stage.
12. Paint when dry.
Note: Small aluminum parts can be dipped in Alodine + 2 parts water for treatment.