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Novice question about metallic coloring of aluminum - how to

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Hello,

I once met an artist using aluminum to make jewelry. The aluminum was the color of oil spilt on a road. Full of metallic colors. He explained to me the process, but I now forget it. He didn't use any chemicals, but he did use electricity and water, and perhaps salt. I wish to reproduce oil spill-like metallic colored aluminum, without the use of chemicals if possible. I've been doing some research about integral organic coloring of aluminum, but the whole subject is still foreign to me.... If you have any info which can set me in the right direction it would be appreciated !

Thank you...

Akasha
Independent Artist - Ottawa, Canada

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Are you sure it wasn't titanium? If it was, search for titanium anodizing on this site.

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

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You probably are talking about titanium and not aluminum. Titanium can be anodized to create a whole rainbow of colors and the electrolyte can be just about anything that will carry current. I've seen it done successfully in CocaCola!

Neil Bell Red Sky Plating Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Hello !

Now I know the material I need is titanium not aluminum...I still have the same question as to technique and materials required.... I would like to color the titanium the color of an oil-spill...........not just one uniform color.........if possible I would like to use only organic substances not chemicals......all suggestions are welcome and appreciated !

Akasha
- Canada