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Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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How do you get color with anodize and Alodine?

How do you get the color when a piece is anodized? Can you get color with Alodine? Seems I saw somewhere that one of these processes uses Rit Dye [affil links]. Is that true? Thanks.

Chris Vuxton
Aircraft Hobbyist - Warrenton, Virginia
2003

2003

Alodine is a Henkel trade name for MIL-C-5541 chromate conversion coating, which can be clear or gold-ish. Anodized parts can be dyed nearly any color and the dyes and the dyeing process can be a bit complex, but yes, a hobbyist can play with Rit dyes instead. However, the conventional sulfuric acid anodizing process does not find much application in aircraft for a number of reasons including loss of fatigue strength. It would be best to put your questions clearly in context.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

I am using Alodine 1500 on my products with clear finish. Is there a way to get gold color/finish with Chrome III coatings? Please provide details on any dyes or materials available.

Thanks,

Sarah Crawford
Power electronics - US
2004

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