Letter 1085

Anodizing Pen for Touch-ups

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I have recently heard rumor of an anodizing pen for touch-up of anodize. Does this exist and where can I get one?

Our parts are anodized with type II sulfuric with black lightfast dye and R5 bright dip. Our parts are also highly cosmetic and therefore the touch-up would need to match very well and of course not be removable with Acetone [link is to product info at Rockler] or alcohol.

Thank you for your input!

Robin Nelson

I find it distressing that so many anodizing shops that I have visited keep black Magic Markers on hand for touchups of rack marks, etc. I'm sure that some of their customers permit this with full knowledge. But I'd bet that many customers have no idea that it happens, or are far enough removed that they have given permission without any real understanding of what they've assented to.

"Brush anodizing" would be an alternative, but perhaps prohibitively priced. I don't know if this "anodizing pen" is just another term for a brush anodizing kit, but there are several suppliers of such kits listed here in our Chemicals Directory.

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, New Jersey

You would have to be a lot better than I am to ever get an acceptable touch up from dyed type 2 with brush anodizing. It is excellent for some local applications, but it is nearly impossible to satisfactorally use it for critical cosmetic touch up on a commercial basis.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida

I'm sure you're right, Jim. I've never tried it myself, and the application here is on an R5 bright dipped part, which probably has to be perfection.

Ted Mooney finishing.com Brick, New Jersey

I have tried to find a supplier for an anodizing pen in your link, and came up empty. Could you help me out with this. Somehow I must be asking it for the wrong thing.

Chris Szepaniak
- Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

I don't think the term "anodizing pen" is used in those listings, or that it has much acceptance as a phrase. Try 'brush plating' and you will find half a dozen suppliers.

Ted Mooney finishing.com Brick, New Jersey