First Anodizing Attempt

[myfordcnc]

So I got these rims off ebay a while back. They were oxidized. I think they are Sees. Any way thought I would try my hand at anodizing. The results are better than what I thought they would be. I do have some issues however. In the second picture you can see what I mean.

[kink]

What is the issue? They look a bit orange but ok...

[Coelacanth]

Exactly--what are the issues?

[myfordcnc]

In the second picture you can see an uneven saturation of color it is more visible than what the camera shows.

[EvolutionRevolution]

In the second picture you can see an uneven saturation of color it is more visible than what the camera shows.

A lot of factory parts have that problem too, sometimes on really obvious places. In your case it's in a location that usually isn't visible.

[marlo]

I want to play to, I think that came out alright, how was it done, RIT DYE?

[vintage AE]

I want to play to, I think that came out alright, how was it done, RIT DYE?

WTF, Rit?

Not too many people on here has attempted anodizing and showed it off. I think you did a good job too. Lots of guys have even looked around the forum for other people to anodize stuff for them. Wont be long before you have other PMing ya.

[marlo]

I want to play to, I think that came out alright, how was it done, RIT DYE?

WTF, Rit?

Not too many people on here has attempted anodizing and showed it off. I think you did a good job too. Lots of guys have even looked around the forum for other people to anodize stuff for them. Wont be long before you have other PMing ya.

Ya RIT DYE, I've seen on the web, somewhere. RIT DYE, and a car battery, the color red was used to make a red/orange color.

[marlo]

Try searching this...Anodizing Aluminum with Rit Dye - Jon's Hobbies

[Orange]

Its true rit dye can be used in anodizing. The process: Anodize + dye + Seal for a colored look... Its Ano + Seal for a natural look.

All kinds of youtube videos out there! Hell there is a Youtube video for just about anything you want to know.

[vintage AE]

The last time I looked up how to anodize was years ago and my memory only spans to the time I wake up each day lol. I'll have to look that up now.

[Charlie don't surf]

It works, it's not as bold as other commercial anodizing dyes, but it will do the job!

[myfordcnc]

Got the dye from a guy on ebay. I guess its OK but I don't have any thing to compare to. I've ordered some of the Caswell dyes so will see with those. Also I heard you can use the dye from sharpies.

Ya, there are some good instruction on you tube. The video that I used to get my basic setup going was in 3 parts about 15 min long each. A little long winded. Could have had the same info in a 5min video.

The set up is supper easy. And the chemicals easy to find.

For the sulfuric acid I got some battery acid from auto zone.

There is a calculation for the surface area to amperage and an online calculator http://www.caswellplating.com/720.html

Caswell sells full kits but they are a bit steep.

[Seabass]

Great job on the ano. I have dabbled in this as well using a recipe for the RIT dye. Some of the parts came out great, others not so much.

I have wanted to get some of the caswell stuff, but I don't have anywhere to really set it up. I would like to build a station for ano but I don't have the room right now. Maybe later down the road.

Jake

[SoAzRC]

I haven't read the online, at-home methods... but I know when I was purchasing plated and finished parts for Raytheon, anodize ghosting and varying colors was caused by inadequate circulation in the tank. The liquid needed to be moving around the parts in a uniform method to get a uniform finish. Many parts required some sophisticated baffling to direct the flow in and around internal areas. When parts were removed from the tank they were dipped in a cleansing/neutralizing tank to stop the action and prevent concentration in pocketed areas and such. Just a suggestion for the ameteur alchemists...!