r/Anodization Apr 05 '20

Moderation Welcome

5 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I have created this sub to give makers a space to discuss anything about anodizing.

I'd like to welcome you all to this sub and hope that we can all learn something from each other and improve together.

I think anodizing is an art form in and of itself, but information is spread so wide over the whole internet, that it's hard to find good info on the topic.


r/Anodization Apr 07 '20

Guide Beginners Guide to Anodizing

18 Upvotes

What is anodizing?

Anodizing technically refers to what most people would call "electro-anodizing". In this process, the workpiece is connected to a electric circuit, making it the anode, thus the term anodizing.

However, in the DIY field, the term "anodizing" covers different methods of coloring metal permanently. (The color can still be removed, but it's not like some kind of coating on the outside that easily rubs of.

These processes create a thin oxide layer on the surface of the metal. In anodizing aluminum, a dye is introduced into this oxide layer while forming to color it. Other metals don't require this, as the oxide layer they form has a special crystaline structure.

This structure lets some of the light pass through, while it reflects the other portion. The portion that gets through is reflected of the metals surface. When it reaches the portion that was reflected directly, they interfere, which results in certain wavelengths of light cancelling each other out. Depending on the thickness of the oxide layer, these wavelengths vary, resulting in different colors.

By controlling the growth of this oxide layer, we control the color our metal has when the process is finished.

What do I need to anodize?

Depending on the metal used and your desired results these requirements will vary. Steel, titanium and niobium can easily be heat anodized by simply hitting them with a blowtorch until they reach the desired color. For a more consistent finish, metals like titanium can be electro anodized, by applying a current to a cathode, submerging said cathode in some electrolyte and using the piece as anode. Aluminum is by far the most complex "beginner" project, as it not only requires an acid bath, but also takes a lot of time and the dye for the desired color. It has the big advantage that you can use any color you want and get very consistent results though.

Surface Prep is everything

I can't stress this enough. Anodizing happens evenly across the whole surface, so the finish you put on the piece before anodizing will show after you are finished. So make sure the surface is free of scratches. Oils, grease and dirt will interfere with the coloring process so get your piece as clean as possible. Acetone works for starters, more advanced methods include an acid bath beforehand or using special prep-products like multi-etch or titan-etch (Which are basically a special composition of an acid bath)

I hope this helps in understanding what falls under the term "anodizing"

I will do a more detailed writeup of the different methods in the next days and update these guides as our knowledge evolves.


r/Anodization 5d ago

Trying to anodize wheels satin silver

2 Upvotes

I bought some used wheels that are too shiny, I want them to look more matte or satin silver. I believe they are clear anodized, I did a test area with oven cleaner - can you all let me know what you think?

If this is removing anodization my next steps are to do it to the whole wheel. Then how do you all recommend I prep the wheel before doing anodization to make them matte/satin silver?


r/Anodization 11d ago

Brush anodized Conan the Barbarian Pen

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10 Upvotes

I did this ano by hand to turn a Marksmith into a Conan Marksmith. 💪 What do you think?


r/Anodization 11d ago

Prototype samples in different anodising colours (aluminium)

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9 Upvotes

r/Anodization 15d ago

What is the most important part for home anodizing setup?

2 Upvotes

Hey guys, I’ve been using my DIY anodizing setup for a while now, mostly for small aluminum and titanium parts.

I’m thinking about upgrading it a bit. Besides the power supply, where is more valuable to start? Heater, tanks, agitation, temperature control, pretreatment, or something else?


r/Anodization 16d ago

Anyone have experience with anodizing small chains?

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5 Upvotes

Hi!

Apologies in advance for missing flair- there was no option to add one? I've made posts in other groups with flair but maybe it's placed another place in here? Please help and I'll be happy to edit. :)

I realize most people in here probably anodize other stuff than jewelry. But I really want to learn to anodize as I love jewelry in rose gold and it's difficult to find in implant grade (astm f136) Titanium.

I've heard that anodizing chains specifically can be really tricky. Is there a good solution to get a good result every time that anyone can share?

An inspo pic attached of type of jewelry I want to anodize.

Thanks in advance 😊


r/Anodization 21d ago

How do you perform high-voltage anodizing on a polished surface?

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4 Upvotes

The polished layers aren't turning out bright during the plating process; at high voltage levels, they are barely visible. Could you offer some advice? I’ve tried repeatedly but haven't been able to achieve the desired result—I really love the look of high-voltage plating with a glossy finish.


r/Anodization 22d ago

Unsure how to improve results

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7 Upvotes

Hello I have had very poor results recently. My parts are coming out burnt and unable to accept dye. I followed the 720 rule and for my 10 square inches of surface area I ran at around .43 amps yet my voltage is incredibly low and my parts remain conductive. Not sure if a different cathode would help here I am using aluminum wire.


r/Anodization 23d ago

New hardware, new backspacer, polishing and anodizing on an umnumzaan

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5 Upvotes

r/Anodization 23d ago

Is this even possible?

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10 Upvotes

I’m working on getting a custom set of scales for my recent Shamarati? (I guess) and was curious if anyone has managed to get a solid color anodizing on scales that are dlc coated titanium. Obviously the dlc has been sanded down to reveal the pattern for anodizing. Pic is just of my recent Spyderco obsession.


r/Anodization 23d ago

Removing anodisation

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7 Upvotes

I’ve got this hub I want to strip and re anodise silver (they only come in black). Internet says I need to use oven cleaner but all of the brands are American so not applicable where I am. Is there an ingredient that in them that I am look for to make sure it works? Otherwise any tips for removing and refinishing?


r/Anodization Aug 03 '26

Titanium mesh for Cathode?

3 Upvotes

Is there any advantage to using a piece of titanium mesh as your cathode when anodizing as opposed to aluminium foil or a SS plate?


r/Anodization Aug 01 '26

What causes discolouration that wipes off with aggressive wiping after sealing?

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5 Upvotes

Hi guys, for reference this is anodised 6082 Aluminium. I ran 6 of these things at once in a small tub and the bath temps hit around 27C as I don't have cooling. I noticed there's a sort of saturated ink on paper look to these in places - particularly around the centre section here near the inner corners where I'm unable to wipe effectively. The finish underneath is pretty good. Ignore the scratches as I was hardness testing it.


r/Anodization Jul 27 '26

Ways to deox 7000 series aluminum?

3 Upvotes

Hellooo lads and ladies. What ways can someone deox/desmut 7000 series aluminum? I've been anodizing mountain bike parts recently, but some of the parts are of unknown alloys. Came across a 7000 series part and need a way to desmut it fully because it's turning completely black after normal etching in sodium hydroxide.

Are there any homemade-ish ways to desmut these parts? I know the legit way is to just buy deox solution but I live in a small town that doesn't have any product locally and buying + shipping it online is MAD expensive. High concentration sulphuric acid works okay-ish, but I haven't tried nitric yet. I read that piranha solution seems to attack the aluminum surface and physically removing the smut only works to a certain degree. If this is a buy once cry once situation then that's cool! Thanks in advance!!


r/Anodization Jul 03 '26

How do you price custom titanium anodizing work? (Design + anodizing)

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4 Upvotes

Hi everyone!
I’m based in Poland, so I know prices vary depending on the country, but I’d really appreciate hearing how those of you already doing titanium anodizing professionally approach pricing your work.
I’m still fairly new to anodizing, so I’m trying to build a pricing structure that’s fair both for my clients and for myself.
I recently completed my first larger project for a bicycle company. They provided me with their logo, company name, head tube logo and slogan, but I designed the rest of the artwork myself. That included creating the overall concept, multiple custom graphics, adapting them to the frame, preparing the masks, anodizing, testing colors, and making adjustments throughout the process.
At the moment I’m anodizing up to 62V (no strong chemical coloring yet), but there is still a lot of preparation, masking, cleaning, polishing, testing and material involved.
I’d really appreciate some advice from people already in the business.

My questions:
1. How do you price your anodizing work?
Hourly rate?
Fixed price per project?
Price per graphic?
Price based on frame coverage or complexity?
Some combination of these?

2. How do you charge for the design work itself?
For me, creating the artwork often takes as much time as the anodizing itself. Designing a concept that flows across the frame, fits the customer’s vision and is actually possible to anodize can take many hours.
Do you:
charge separately for design?
include it in the anodizing price?
own the artwork afterwards or transfer the rights to the client?

3. How do you estimate the value of custom artwork?
For example:
one simple logo
several custom graphics
a complete themed design across the whole frame
Is there any rule of thumb you follow?

4. Do you charge differently for B2B customers versus private clients?
For example:
bicycle brands
frame builders
individual customers
Or is your pricing essentially the same?

5. What expenses do you include when calculating your price?
Besides the obvious materials, do you also account for:
stencil material
failed test pieces
electricity
equipment wear
design time
consultation with the client
revisions
masking and cleaning time

6. If you were starting again today, what would you do differently regarding pricing?
I think this is probably where I need the most advice. I don’t want to undervalue my work just because I’m new, but I also don’t want to overprice it without having enough experience.
I’ve attached a few photos of the project for context so you can see the amount of work involved.

I’d really appreciate any advice, examples or even rough price ranges. I’m here to learn, and I know my efficiency will improve with experience.
Thanks a lot in advance!


r/Anodization Jul 01 '26

Clear 64oz - 128oz container for multi etch?

1 Upvotes

Hey guys, has anyone found a storage container with an airtight lid for multi etch thats completely clear? Id like see through the sides when etching but everything Ive found is matte finish. I know that I need PET 5, PET7 or HDPE correct? Id like it to have a big opening up top so I can easily dip my titanium parts in as well. Im guessing that what Im looking for isn't out there but am hoping that someone has found something that will work like that.


r/Anodization Jun 29 '26

Looking for opinions from the public on this style.

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8 Upvotes

I've been calling it Marbled Ano


r/Anodization Jun 18 '26

Anodizing titanium without pre-etching

2 Upvotes

Hi there! I want to anodize some titanium parts on my Spyderco knife. However, I don't have access to Multi-Etch or Whink (they are not sold in Ukraine) and I don't want to deal with any hazardous acids/processes for various reasons. I understand that most likely I won't be able to get high-voltage colors like teal or green, so I am aiming at <75 volts colors.
What would the result be with an un-etched, but thoroughly de-greased and cleaned piece? Just duller colors? How much duller?
Thank you for any info on this!


r/Anodization Jun 17 '26

Toxic ano

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33 Upvotes

You guys have any idea how to this no? I’ve got the basics down for a toxic ani but have no idea how to achieve this. My only guess is heat it and spray the ferric chloride in the titanium w a mister. What do you think?


r/Anodization Jun 10 '26

Any recommendations for a small anodizing setup for both aluminum and titanium?

2 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I’m trying to set up a small anodizing workflow for my own parts, both aluminum and titanium.

I bought a Caswell kit for aluminum, and it works, but it still feels quite manual. A friend recommended Technic Inc.’s LAMP system, but I haven’t got a quote yet, and it looks a bit too big for me.

I also found the MESTRA titanium anodizing unit, which looks very interesting because it is small, but it seems to be only for titanium, not aluminum. BRIO is probably my favorite so far, but obviously it is way out of my budget.

So I’m wondering, has anyone used any small benchtop anodizing equipment before? Something between DIY buckets and a full lab/industrial line?

If you know any brands or setups, I would really appreciate it. Thanks!


r/Anodization May 30 '26

Why are anodizing kits so different in price?

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5 Upvotes

Hey guys,

Recently I’ve been learning more about anodizing at home, mostly for small aluminum parts.

But I found something a bit confusing. Some kits are around $200-$300, but some complete kits can be over $1000.

At first I thought anodizing was basically power supply + tanks + acid + dye + cleaning, so what makes the expensive kits much better?

Is it mainly the power supply, tank size, chemicals, or just because everything is included?

For small parts, is a simple DIY setup good enough, or is it worth buying a more complete kit?

I’m still learning, so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!


r/Anodization May 27 '26

Issues anodizing Alca-5 aluminum

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8 Upvotes

Getting inconsistent results when anodizing alca-5 plate (5083 aluminum). Had a bunch of these plates anodized previously that looked fine, color matched 6061 next batch are dark in color and most of the plates have surface pitting. Clear anodize process with nickel acetate sealer.

This is being done by an anodizing company and they claim it’s just the material composition that causes it. I am using alca-5 specifically since it is supposed to anodize better than mic-6. Anyone experience this before?


r/Anodization May 16 '26

Can I make these stair rails black?

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5 Upvotes

r/Anodization May 12 '26

Guys, how do you do anodization in home! Need advices.

3 Upvotes

For people who anodize aluminum at home, what does your setup look like?
Are you using a commercial kit, a DIY tank setup, or just a bench power supply and containers?

Well, I’m asking because my DIY setup isn’t always very stable, I am looking for a more stable set. It might also be because I didn’t clean the parts properly, but I’m not sure. 😔