Bright color for anodizing aluminum

Hello Folks,

I am color anodizing aluminum for the company where I work, but even when I am getting acceptable results, I would like to get very shine aluminum oxide coating. Is there any suggestion of how to get the parts that nice?

Reynaldo Arroyo
- Valencia, Calif, U.S.A.

Bright dip, or electro-polish prior to anodizing

Marc Green
anodizer - Boise, Idaho

You won't achieve this in the anodizing process itself; it must be done by polishing, electropolishing, or brite dipping. Brite dipping is the most common approach but it requires a nitric-phosphoric brite dipping solution which is quite intimidating, requiring as it does a 'garage type' ventilation system, double walled type 316L stainless steel tanks, etc.

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

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