Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

-----

Grain refining etch on aluminum

I need an effective method of etching 6061 aluminum to produce a dull matte finish without exposing the pronounced large grain structure. I currently use a caustic etch. I have tried lowering the bath temperature and one proprietary grain refining additive without the desired results. I will subsequently black anodize the part.

Stuart Price
- Dayton, Ohio

You can vary the caustic, carbonate, and simple and complex phosphates to vary the etch.

Then you can try acid etchants containing fluorides will produce a satin etch on some alloys.

Perhaps even a chemical polishing solution may change the look of the surface. One based on phosphoric acid, nitric, acetic, etc.

Best wishes,

Tom Pullizzi
Falls Township, Pennsylvania

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: