Abstract: AA6063/AA6060 – used for automotive and construction applications – is now increasingly supplied in recycled form as both industries push for greater sustainability. Recycling introduces tramp elements like Cu and Zn into the composition of the alloy that can have an impact on its corrosion. Typically, pre-treatments and coatings/paints are applied to increase corrosion resistance. However, little is known about the effect of recycling on the surface properties prior to coating (surface cleaning and pre-treatment). This study attempts to fill this fundamental knowledge gap by studying the surface of different recycled variants of AA6060 using advanced analytical techniques to understand where the tramp elements from recycling are going. Three different surface cleaning solutions were applied (alkaline etching, acid etching and 2-step alkaline+acid etching) and the effects on microstructure and surface properties prior to pre-treatment and coating were investigated.