Metallic Finish on Colour anodised parts

[whistule]

I have been polishing aluminium parts before anodising them with a coloured solution. The anodising process seams to spoils the reflective quality of the aluminium and looses a lot of the qualities of the metal surface - almost appearing plastic. I have tried a weaker solution with the anodising process but although the surface is more reflective it changes the colour - for example red turns to pink. Is there another process I can use or any alterations I can make to the anodising process to to keep the reflective qualities and 'metallic' appearance of polished aluminium??

[mcaswell]

Have a look at this page, which includes several pictures of parts anodized with our system and dyes: http://www.caswellplating.com/restgal/other_projs.htm

If this is the sort of finish you are looking for, then log a call in our support system and give us all your operating parameters and we'll figure out why you're not getting the results you're looking for.

[whistule]

Thanks. I think the finish is probably not too far off that. I've got some pictures up at http://www.jazzwhistle.com/gallery.htm
I am in scotland and currently use an anodisers in Glasgow. They however don't have too many examples of various colours. Do you have any associated anodisers in the UK or could you recommend anyone?

I suppose I'm looking for a transparent coating - almost like when you draw on polished aluminium with a felt tip pen. I suspect if such a thing exists the finish may be less durable ? Or am I underestimating the variables in anodising?

[mcaswell]

I suggest you contact our distributor in the UK and order an anodizing kit and some dyes and give the process a try. What you're trying to do sounds possible.

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