Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no registration, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989

-----

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

(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: