Nickel Acetate Seal: Important Nickel Residue Risk

Summary for nickel acetate seal Discussion

Nickel acetate seal leave nickel on anodized parts is the core concern in this thread: Jim Bourque asks whether hard anodize sealed with nickel acetate could leave nickel that might bother people with nickel allergies. Robert H Probert answers that a nickel acetate seal does deposit nickel acetate into the pores and, depending on rinsing, may leave some on the surface, so it can cause "nickel itch." However, he adds that properly sealed anodizing should be no problem, and notes that drinking tumblers have been made for decades with dyed anodizing sealed in nickel acetate. The practical takeaway is that the process can leave nickel-bearing residue if rinsing and sealing are not well controlled, but well-sealed anodizing is generally considered acceptable.