How I anodize aluminum

[ratyoke]

I have a question... A drain opener is usualy sodium hydroxide?? right?

well. how do you get sulfuric acid drin opener??(maybe it's because they sell it where you are and maybe it dosen't exist here in Canada)

oh. and BTW are you married?? cause the dye in the crock-pot...LOL

Yes drain opener is usually sodium hydroxide. The sulfuric acid type doesn't seem to be very common. I think I have only seen it at a couple stores.

No, not married.

[barbarian]

The crystals are sodium hydroxide, I have seen the liquid drain opener in some hardware stores.

Also might want to try a car parts place ( not Crap tire) a real car parts place, and ask for battery acid. It is pretty strong stuff so you have to dilute it a bunch before use. Be very carefull if you do this. You don't want straight battery acid on anything. Depending on what you buy, the stuff that goes into a battery is about 30% pure.

Face shield time.

It also has a habit of splashing when you add water. Thats why you are supposed to start with a bunch of water and add a small bit of acid at a time.

[Brianpojo56]

I can't speak for Canada, but where I'm at, Sulfuric Acid is available under the brand name "Rooto". Check in your local hardware store, the jugs are usually in a plastic bag and they'll have ye olde skull and crossbones on it.

I think you can substitute the sulfuric acid with hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid) available at pool supply stores and most places that sell basic pool chemicals. However, Ratyoke would need to confirm that, as I am not completely sure.

[jamesphilhulk2]

i might give this a go soon, just a thought wont the acid eventually eat through the plastic containers?

[Brianpojo56]

Metal containers yes.
Plastic containers no.
That's why the acid is stored in plastic containers at the store.

[ratyoke]

I think you can substitute the sulfuric acid with hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid) available at pool supply stores and most places that sell basic pool chemicals. However, Ratyoke would need to confirm that, as I am not completely sure.

I don't know either. I've only heard of using sulfuric.

[jamesphilhulk2]

is it just aluminium that i can anodize or can i anodize other metals, i mostly work with stainless steel to make handles etc

[Mutzy]

What's the surface like after anodizing? Can you engrave the aluminium without damaging the anodizing? Or should that be done before the anodizing process?

[samfishers]

@Mutzy:: You can engrave it.. but the thin layer of about 0.05 will be a lot harder, but remeber it's still only 0.05

@jamesphilhulk2:: You can only anodize aluminium

@barbarian:: humm. the acid in a car battery is 30-35% sulfuric acid. the problem is getting the acid from the battery.. I did it a few times. and it's a .. but if you do it, uncharge de battery first.. (you never know)

[ratyoke]

What's the surface like after anodizing? Can you engrave the aluminium without damaging the anodizing? Or should that be done before the anodizing process?

The surface after color anodizing looks pretty much the same as it did before anodizing, except it is colored. On my picks I usually sand to 400 or 600 grit then go over it with scotch brite. I like a slightly matte finish.

You can engrave before or after anodizing, it just depends on how you want it to look. If you engrave before anodizing, the engraved lines will be colored along with the rest of the metal. If you engrave after anodizing the engraved lines will be the natural color of the aluminum.

[ratyoke]

is it just aluminium that i can anodize or can i anodize other metals, i mostly work with stainless steel to make handles etc

Titanium and niobium can be anodized, but that is a completely different process and does not involve dye.

[tazman]

good stuf got all sorts of thing to anodize..

[lockeymoto]

Very good information

Thanks

[TheSnakey]

making a transformer on friday with a mate

[samfishers]

yeah raytoke. I have heard of anodizing titanium.. It's heating isin't it.. if I am remebering correctly, You can go from dark purple to red....or something.