Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Seeking Black Anodizing Dye

Hi. I am looking for an small qty of black dye (1 lb or less) to color hard-anodized aluminum.

John G [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- COSTA MESA, California USA
2000

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2000

There are vendors who specialize in anodizing dyes--for example Clariant [Charlotte, NC], U.S. Specialty Color [Monroe, NC], and Eaglite Chemical [Chicago, IL]. But if this is a very small and non critical hobbyist project, hobbyists tell us that Rit Dye [affil links] will fill the need.

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

I am old school, If you want it done right, use a good product, not one that is "good enough to get bye". Clariant now sells in 1 lb quantities. Check out EWDC Anodizing Services [Roanoke, VA], they used to sell in 2 oz quantities for artists. They repackage Clariant dyes. They have an excellent black. The smaller the quantity, the higher the price per pound, a trade off .

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2000