[Canute7]

Thanks for all the info, details, details...O.K.
1. scrap part 6061 bar end,degreased w/ dishsoap and distilled water, 15 min. soaktime, followed by about 10 min of scubbing and agiation
2. part then rinsed w/ distilled water
3. part then rinsed w/ distilled water, again
4. part was then echted in caustic soda (8Table spoons)and distilled water(1gal), for 6 min (bubbling , but not TOO much) white-ish apperance
5. part was then rinsed in distilled water
6. part was then rinsed in distilled water , again
7. part was then placed into acid( 20 percent) and distilled water solution
8. power was then applied for 1 hour, 12 volt battery charger set on 2 amp slow charge
9. part was then rinsed in distilled water
10. part was then rinsed in distilled water, again
11.part was then placed in dye, Rit, Scarlet #5, and distilled water PH unknown temp. 140 degrees in dye for 20 min
12. rinsed in distilled water
at this point all the dye came off, I was a little upset, and then I thought I'll put in the Teal dye that my 1st part looked so nice with, I placed the part in the Teal dye for 20 min it TOOK very nice mettalic Teal!!
I repeated this process step 4 step and used Navy Blue, I now have 2 VERY NICE mettalic Teal bar ends, so while my process may need some improvement I seem to be on the right track and that is what I'm after. This is only my 3rd attempt my 1st piece came out good, thin, but good, my 2nd I seem to have clearcoted the part(cold in my buddies barn in March)
but all this is what leads me to think my problem is PH...yes, no ,maybe?
Again, Thanks to all for the help
Canute