Anodising

[dave g]

its only ashley

its not too bad in the small concentration you use,just use it outside and when finished pour down the drain..and rinse everything off well.

the industrial stuff is far more concentrated than the commercial drain cleaner you get from wilkos..ive had it on my hands and didnt burn but would still reccomend using protective gloves and eyewear

[sparrow.2]

I thought of doing some home anodising a while back but ended up not doing it because it really is quite dangerous and I like skin and stuff.

This web page is pretty detailed on how to do it but I really wouldn't recommend it! click here

The scariest thing was that there are mail-order places that will send you the nastiest liquids and chemicals by post!!!!

[dave g]

its not too bad doing home anodising,ive done it before but you do need to be in an open space because the fumes from the acid is quite toxic.

basically you drop your material in some caustic solution to clean the surface up and remove the oxide layer,then rinse with clean water.

you have a tub containing battery acid and water(i cant remember the exact mixture %) with a piece of lead strip connected to a 12v battery(i used a mains 12v 2 amp adaptor) and the other battery wire connected to your alloy piece,when you drop the cleaned alloy into the acid it will start to strip the top layer away and open the pores of the alloy up,the alloy will turn a milky/champagne colour after about 45 mins to an hour,you then either rinse it off with water and drop into a tub of the dye of your choice(dylon clothe dye is ok) until the colour you want has taken..usually around 30 mins to an hour if i recall.

then you have to rinse the part and drop into a pan of hot water and simmer for an hour or so to seal the surface of the alloy.

[Trish]

Ash, how about you come chat to me at taly and ill get them done for you. any colour i have a building at work who do it. PM me if you want to know more.

Trish