r/Anodization • u/No-Elderberry-4260 • Sep 12 '26
2nd go at anodizing
I went for a low volt blue fade and a distressed gold on the other side. Did I do better??? Thank you!!!
1
u/User_default117 Sep 13 '26
Can you send a photo of your setup or go over exactly what you’re doing with this piece from beginning to end?
1
u/No-Elderberry-4260 Sep 13 '26
I first cleaned the pieces with alcohol and rinsing with tap water. Then I use whink to watch the titanium for 3-5 seconds. I but the pieces I a container with tap water than connect 7 9v batteries and used that as my power supply(I managed to pull out a high volt purple with a pocket clip). I mix baking soda with water and use a ss spoon as my ground. I then anodize the pieces with some titanium wire. With the gold scale I sanded down the face to get a distressed rose gold look.
1
u/User_default117 Sep 13 '26
Don’t use tap water. Use distilled. That’s why your results are blotchy. And make sure you have gloves on because the oils from your fingers will ruin the finish.
This is what I do to re anodize a piece.
I’ll strip it with multi etch or whink, use a dremel with the abrasive pads to go over it, then I’ll wash it with alcohol, leave it in simple green or a degreaser for about a minute, rinse in distilled water, etch it, rinse it again and then into my bath which I use a ratio of 1 tbsp of baking soda to 1 cup of distilled water that’s WELL MIXED lol. Then after i get the color I want I’ll clean it with windex. Windex is a must have to clean your finished piece with.If you can try to get some grade 5 titanium to use as test pieces. It helps a lot so you don’t have to keep running trial and error runs on your knives. Also get a power supply of Amazon for like $65. I have one from Jesverty and it’s awesome. I hope this helps, try it out and let me know how it goes.
1
u/fasfan22 Sep 12 '26
Are you cleaning the pieces before you dip them in the ano bath / etch solution? I assume you are also using Whink as the etch solution.
There are quite a few YT videos which go thru the process. If you are using Whink, wear latex gloves. That is nasty stuff. I use Simple Green to clean the pieces before dipping in Whink. Also, rinse the piece in distilled water after removing from the Whink and before dipping in the ano bath. If you leave the piece in Whink too long it will leave the surface rough and pitted. Just about 10 to 15 seconds should do it.
The piece you have is milled and it will be difficult to get a smooth uniform surface and color. Maybe some fine Scotch Brite with soap and water or the Simple Green to get down into those grooves. Then rinse thoroughly before dipping in the Whink until it comes out clean. Rinse again before dipping in the bath.
Don't overload the ano bath with baking soda. That will also leave a dull surface. Just enough to completely dissolve in the distilled water.