Source of Acid for Anoddising...

[ex9066]

I'm based in the Uk and am having a bit a trouble sourcing acid for use in anodising aluminium.

The only thing I can find is used car batteries. Can I just use the acid in those? How would it affect the anodising process?

[mcaswell]

Battery acid is the best option, but used battery acid will likely cause problems. Can't you get new battery acid anywhere?

[ex9066]

I've tried to get fresh Battery acid and was told it was illegal to sell over the counter, it being a rather dangerous chemical after all.

Has anyone tried using used battery acid before?

[mcaswell]

I can't imagine that you'll get good results with used battery acid. You have no way of knowing the strength of the acid, and what's been done to it before you use it.

You MUST be able to find somewhere that will sell you new acid, perhaps a commercial auto supply store.

If you're stuck, try contacting our UK distributor and ask him if he knows a good source. He sells our anodizing kit, which requires the acid, so he must know somewhere.

Speed Demon Motorcycles
5 Overdale Walk
Whitehill, Hampshire GU35 9DR
UK

Phone: +44 (0) 1420 476145
Fax: +44 (0) 870 136 5288
caswell-europe@caswellplating.com