Home Anodizing Set-up

[TomG]

I lost an uncle on Friday, so not much happened on the bench this weekend with all the family obligations, but I did manage to finish most of the bubbler system. When I get it installed, I'll photograph and post it.

I also managed to track down the last of the required chemicals, so that's one less task on the list. Here's a rundown:

1) Cleaner - The first step in the process to clean off all grease, oil, buffing compound, etc. I used Cleaner 740 from U.S. Specialty Color Corp.

2) Etch - A solution of sodium hydroxide (lye) to remove old anodizing or to give the parts a matte finish. The lye came from Essential Depot

3) Deoxidizer/Desmut Solution - to remove any metals other than aluminum from the surface of the parts, a must on 2024. I used Deoxidizer 982 from U.S. Specialty Color Corp.

4) Battery Acid - Mixed with water to form a 15% solution. From NAPA Auto Parts.

5) Dye - The parts a dyed after the anodizing process if desired. I ordered blue, red, orange and black to start from U.S. Specialty Color Corp.

6) Sealer - A mid temp nickel acetate solution to close the pores in the anodizing, increasing the hardness, stain resistance and fade resistance on dyed parts. Sealant MTL from U.S. Specialty Color Corp.

7) Distilled Water - To make up all of the solutions and for rinsing, 35 gallons to start. From Home Depot

The stuff from U.S. Specialty Color cost a bit more up front than I had planned, due to their minimum orders, but the end prices are significantly lower than those form the middle men, they are nice people to deal with as well. If you can justify the larger quantities it is definitely worthwhile to buy from them.

Tom