Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Airbrushing Anodized Aluminum, How to prepare?

Hi everyone,

My company has recently took on a job to custom paint archery bows but when we received them they were anodized. What I need to know is what is the best method to prepare these bow handles for airbrush work. Can I just scratch and paint or must I use special chemicals?

Asana Bodhitharta
- Tacoma, Washington
2007

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Asana

Anodising is great basis for painting. You need to specify to your anodiser "sulfuric anodise but do not seal". To obtain the best bond (important as the bow is subject to bending) the parts should be painted as soon as possible. Aerospace specifications require that the time of anodising is recorded and supplied to the painter. This will typically be about 18 hours max. If the parts cannot be painted inside this timescale, they will be stripped and re-anodised. You may not need this extreme condition but it is the best way.
Remember that a fresh unsealed surface will absorb any fingerprints, grease etc so it must be transported and handled with care.

Geoff Smith
Hampshire, England
2007