when do you use distilled water for anodizing?

[danimal28]

do you have to use distilled water?

[mcaswell]

Yes. Use distilled water for all rinsing steps. This will prevent mineral deposits/blotchiness on the part.

[danimal28]

do you just use tap water when boiling the part?

[mcaswell]

For best results, you should use a professional anodizing sealant chemical, instead of just boiling in water.

Our sealer product (http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/aluminum.htm), mixes by adding 1 oz of chemical to 1 gallon of distilled water.