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How to obtain a chalky/powdery anodized finish on 6061

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Q. Looking to obtain a chalky/powdery finish on 6061 for specific product needs. Not referring to etching or blasting- rather chalky/soft in comparison with regular finishes. Some have suggested taking the parts out early, others have suggested nickel acetate sealing. I am not an expert on this matter and am looking for advice to give our anodizers.

Thank you for your time.

Peter Brook
Buyer - Niagara Falls, NY, USA
August 26, 2009

A. This will take a little bit of trial and error, but it almost sounds like you want to take the coating to the point of burning. To do this, higher anodizing temperatures, and higher current densities should be used in conjunction with one another. I don't know if this type of coating would be able to be properly dyed, or sealed.

Marc Green
anodizer - Boise, Idaho

A. Peter

Are there any other properties of the anodize you wish to retain with the chalky appearance?

Willie Alexander
- Colorado Springs, Colorado

A. Peter,

If you take the parts directly from the anodize tank to a baking soda [on eBay or Amazon] neutralization, the surface gets very white and chalky. I can't speak for any other properties of the coating.

Michael Costello
- Grand Junction, Colorado

A. Dear Mr. Brook,

I have made similar trial by using hard water rather than DM or soft water.
The water with high TDS may obtain chalky deposit.
Best Regards

Shafiuddin A. Mohammed
metal coating shop - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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