I think you will like the blaster a lot. Very handy to have!

All the cleaners I know of are basic (like oven cleaner, most inductrial type cleaners, etc) and a base solution will allways turn the aluminum dark. Luckily if not left too long it is just on the surface, and you shoulnt have any trouble cleanign it off with a bead blast. Way easier than a wire brush!

AJC