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

-----

Grey finish on 2024 Aluminum

I have a 2024 aluminum part with a grey finish. I am trying to determine if it is possible to get that finish with a chromic acid anodize (without a die) or a sulfuric acid anodize. If I specify the former one, clear, with no dye, can I still get this grey color naturally. Please see attached picture:

Mala Dehra
buyer - Tampa, FL, USA
August 15, 2008

Pictures can be a little misleading, but it looks like a chromic acid anodize from a well used tank. It is a bit dark for sulfuric acid anodizing and a bit light for hard coat anodizing. It appears to be a rough casting or has been grit blasted, which will drastically change the look of the part.
Send out a scrap part for chromic anodizing and see if you like the results. Many anodizers will do a sample part if they think that there will be a lot of parts to follow. They can give you a much more accurate price if they have actually done a part.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
August 16, 2008

(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: