Black dust on anodized aluminium: troubling residue fix

Summary for black dust on anodized aluminium Discussion

Black dust on dyed black anodized aluminium is described as a smudge or film that appears when parts come out of the black dye tank and can be rubbed off with an eraser. In the excerpt provided, only the question is shown, so no named answerer or confirmed cause is available. The issue appears to be a post-dye surface contamination or residue problem rather than a permanent color defect, but the thread text here does not include the diagnosis or fix. Because the source is incomplete, the safest takeaway is simply that the black material is removable and is being noticed immediately after dyeing, which suggests a process-related surface deposit that needs troubleshooting in the anodizing/dye stage.

Q. Hi everyone,

I’m having trouble when dying anodized aluminium with black dye. When the aluminium comes out from the dye tank, a sort of black smudge or dust sticks to the piece and can only be removed easily with an eraser. It is like a film of dust.

61726-1b  
61726-1c  
61726-1a

Doesn’t happen on new formulated dye, only when it has been already used for a while (from weeks to a couple months).

Thanks and regards

Victor Perez
– Logroño (Spain)
September 4, 2024

A. Victor

2 of the photos suggest solution is drying on the surface of the part. Consider walking the line to see where it occurs and implement appropriate controls.

Willie Alexander
– Green Mountain Falls, Colorado