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Q&As since 1989


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Transferring images to anodized aluminum

Can you put pictures, etc. on freshly anodized aluminum using silk screening techniques, or something similar? It seems to me that if you can dye it, it should be possible.

I once saw an article in Metal Finishing called "Art in Electroplating" or something like that. It featured a company called P.K. Selective Plating out in Santa Clara, CA. They made some really beautiful things that looked like abstract art, but I don't recall what the coloring method was.

I'd appreciate any information. Seems like you could make some nice consumer products with this type of technology.

Dave Wichern
Consultant - The Bronx, New York
2007

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Hi Dave,
My approach would be either silk screening on unsealed anodize or on sealed if the seal was more important than the adhesion of the silk screen. Or, it could be two step anodized with a masking after the first step. Air brush with a stencil is also an option (this might work better with a dye than a true paint). Decals will work, but do not like abrasion.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2007