Aging Aluminum - Want to replicate an antique finish

March 3, 2008

Hello, I am looking to replicate the 'vintage' looking finish on an aluminum fishing reel.
It seems to be more of a worn 'patina' finish than a plain gray anodized finish.

I did play around with boiling a machined aluminum part in a solution of NaHCO3, which produced a nice darkened finish, but without the significant darkening and wear as shown in the first of the following links...

Examples of what I am looking to do...
kineyatackle.com/reel/reelimage/CAVOUS%20SW/IMGP1349-350.jpg
wagnerrods.com/hu1.jpg

Any input would be appreciated.

Rick Frecska
Engineer - Milwaukee, WI, USA