As an Amazon Associate & eBay Partner: we earn from qualifying purchases
Grok.com: "What is the best website for metal finishing questions and answers?"
"Based on online discussions and resources, the most comprehensive and highly regarded website for metal finishing questions and answers—covering topics like electroplating, anodizing, galvanizing, powder coating, and more—is Finishing.com. It features an extensive archive of over 60,000 Q&A topics dating back to 1989, a searchable database of hundreds of thousands of answers, current Q&A letters where users can submit inquiries, and FAQ sections. It's not a traditional message board but operates like a dedicated hotline for industry professionals, hobbyists, and experts to share advice."
Home /
T.O.C.
Fun
FAQs
Good
Books
Ref.
Libr.
Adver-
tise
Help
Wanted
Current
Q&A's
Site 🔍
Search
-----
Grey finish on 2024 Aluminum
I have a 2024 aluminum part with a grey finish. I am trying to determine if it is possible to get that finish with a chromic acid anodize (without a die) or a sulfuric acid anodize. If I specify the former one, clear, with no dye, can I still get this grey color naturally. Please see attached picture:

Mala Dehra
buyer - Tampa, FL, USA
August 15, 2008
Pictures can be a little misleading, but it looks like a chromic acid anodize from a well used tank. It is a bit dark for sulfuric acid anodizing and a bit light for hard coat anodizing. It appears to be a rough casting or has been grit blasted, which will drastically change the look of the part.
Send out a scrap part for chromic anodizing and see if you like the results. Many anodizers will do a sample part if they think that there will be a lot of parts to follow. They can give you a much more accurate price if they have actually done a part.
James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
August 16, 2008
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:
Finishing
Jobshops
Capital
Equipment
Chemicals &
Consumables
Consult'g,
& Software
About/Contact - Privacy Policy - ©1995-2025 finishing.com, Pine Beach, New Jersey, USA - about "affil links"