Anodizing
Chemistry is an amazing science. With it many things are possible, including the ability for the average hobbyist to custom dye aluminum parts for their bikes, motorcycles, cars, paintball guns and just about anything that uses aluminum. Not only can they dye them a custom color, as opposed to painting them, they can make the parts tougher in the process, all with a few fairly inexpensive parts and chemicals. This process is called anodizing, sometimes spelled anodizing, and is used in many industries as well as by home hobbyists. The popular mp3 player offered by Apple computers, the iPod mini, for example, has an aluminum case that comes in a range of pastel colors, all achieved by the anodizing process.How it Works
Anodizing is a process that converts aluminum to a new, derivative substance that protects it from corrosion and abrasion, and allows it to be dyed in a range of colors because the new aluminum is porous. The term “anodizing” comes from the process itself, during which the aluminum part undergoing the treatment becomes the anode part of an electrical circuit. The process is electrolytic, and the coating that forms on the aluminum part is called aluminum oxide. Anodizing can be done at home with the proper solutions and dyes, a car battery charger, and the proper precautions. Clean parts are absolutely essential.
The aluminum oxide coating actually grows out of the surface of the aluminum part, and as such will not be subject to some of the cons of painting or other ways of coating things, such as peeling and flaking. To top it all off, anodizing a part gives it thermal and electrical insulation qualities that far surpass the aluminum's natural state. All in all, the anodizing process essentially turns a normal piece of aluminum into super aluminum.
It is possible to do a single color, duo tone color, or even something called splash anodizing. Safety is a number one issue while anodizing, because you will be using potent chemicals. Safety goggles, rubber gloves and thick, protective clothing will help guard against spills. A large, rubber bucket is recommended to store the anodizing chemical bottles; the last thing you want to do is try and clean a chemical spill if they should break or tip over. Keeping the fluids in a glass bottle will keep the acids from eating their way out of the bottle; putting that glass bottle inside a larger plastic one will help prevent it from breaking if struck or if it falls.