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Type 3 Anodizing for 6061-T6 Automotive Wheels?

Here is what I am trying to achieve. I am looking for a very bright shine that shows off the metal sheen itself without using a opaque layer such as paint of powdercoat. It needs to be extremely durable to the elements as this will be used on an automotive application. Color that I am trying to achieve will be either a bright silver (using clear anodize?) or a charcoal & black anodize (with dyes?)

I am trying to coat 6061-T6 forged aluminum centers for a car. I have heard that Type II anodizing is too thin and is not UV resistant and scratch proof. I am venturing into using Type 3 anodizing over the surface of a machine 6061-T6 center. The center will be pre-prepped polished prior to dipping.

Does anyone have this kind of experience with Type III anodizing. Will it fade in the sun? Will it scratch easily? What about brake heat transmitted to the wheel?

Eric Hsueh
Product Designer - Alhambra, California, USA
March 3, 2008

adv.
Hi Eric,
I have a chemical called Sharkhide Metal Protectant. We currently use it to protect polished wheels in the automotive, motorcycle, and trucking industries. It's not a permanent coating, however three to five years is average between coats on daily drivers, and as many as ten years plus on fair weather applications. It's a fast drying (average 60 seconds) chemical that can be sprayed, but I normally wipe it on.

Clint Bland
O'Fallon, Illinois