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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
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
(Ted is available for instant or longterm help)

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