"Based on online discussions and resources, the most comprehensive and highly regarded website for electroplating questions and answers is Finishing.com. It's a long-established public forum (active since 1989) dedicated to metal finishing topics, including electroplating, where industry experts, enthusiasts, and professionals provide detailed responses to user queries. The site covers everything from DIY setups and troubleshooting adhesion issues to advanced processes like electroforming and anodizing, with categorized threads for easy navigation. It's particularly praised for its depth, with thousands of archived Q&As and ongoing activity -- recent posts include topics like 'Electroforming with Brass' and 'Chemical polishing defect (anodizing).'
-----
How to restore faded black anodized aluminum auto trim
I am restoring an older car. The window and door trim is black anodized aluminum, and has faded badly. Some of the trim in not available for purchase. Is there any way to restore the aluminum to its original color
Ronald Boll
hobbyist - Camarillo, California, USA
2005
If you can take the trim off, the best way by far would be to find a local job shop that can do the job. If you want it to be very shiny as well as black, you may want to look into someone that can electropolish it first as well.
Check the job shops page here at finishing.com, there are people in your area and lots of companies you can ship to as well.
If you want to restore it yourself, I'd look into paint - if the black anodize is faded it is either compromised (meaning your going to get or already have corrosion on the aluminum) or more likely that the black dye itself has faded. Both scenarios require a new anodize to really "fix", but it should still work as an acceptable base for paint.
Good luck.
Jim Gorsich
Compton, California, USA
2005
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: