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Aluminum patinas

I am building a mechanical hand for sculptural purposes out of cast aluminum. I would like to patina some of the finished pieces to a dark grey to black patina, not a coating, but a patina, and would welcome any suggestions as to products, processes, or chemicals that would be helpful.

Greatly appreciated,

Ken Hanna
- Bellingham, Washington

Try etching with caustic. This will leave behind a gray-black film due to the copper or other alloying materials in the casting. Normally the anodizer 'desmuts' to remove this.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
(Ted can offer longterm or instant help)
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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