Painting over anodized aluminum

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Nov 21, 2020
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Hi guys,

I was going to post this in the paint section....but it isn't automotive related.

I shoot target archery, and have an extremely red.....metallic and glossy bow riser.

Is it possibly to take shine off of anodizing relatively uniformly? Either mechanically or chemically?

Alternatively, I would paint it to tie me over until a powdercoating.

The replacement more modern version is around $450 so I'm considering playing around.

Otherwise I'll ignore the color and think about other things!
 
Anodizing it oxidizing the surface. I don't know why, but anodized aluminum in a saltwater setting - like a port, or in a steel mill, which is often full of nasty chemicals deteriorates the surface to a white powdery looking thing. So its possible, but I don't know what chemical to use.
 
Do you have access to a sandblaster? - a light sweep takes the gloss right off aluminum and would be an attractive finish as is, or as a paintable surface. A self etching primer (zinc chromate probably) would be the perfect base for paint.

PS Don't overdo it because sandblasting/bead blasting will go right through aluminum in a flash.
 
Do you have access to a sandblaster? - a light sweep takes the gloss right off aluminum and would be an attractive finish as is, or as a paintable surface. A self etching primer (zinc chromate probably) would be the perfect base for paint.

PS Don't overdo it because sandblasting/bead blasting will go right through aluminum in a flash.
Thanks! I may actually. I have a friend with a small blaster setup. I wonder if a lighter medium might work.
 
Thanks for the replies guys, it gave me some things to think about
 
Thanks! I may actually. I have a friend with a small blaster setup. I wonder if a lighter medium might work.
A light blasting medium should be fine but still avoid prolonged blasting. Better to take it out and do it again (even a couple of times) than overdo it.

I wear an N95 (paper) mask when I use a blasting cabinet (which should be okay without it). Silicosis is a serious problem and non silica blasting agents often have a small amount of silica in them, and if they don't start off that way they get contaminated with silica as they're used and re-used.

The nurse and I have most of the other volunteers at the aviation museum using N95 masks when they're using the blasting cabinet. And if it's not a blasting cabinet you need way more protection than that. There are no bonus points for taking a chance.
 
A light blasting medium should be fine but still avoid prolonged blasting. Better to take it out and do it again (even a couple of times) than overdo it.

I wear an N95 (paper) mask when I use a blasting cabinet (which should be okay without it). Silicosis is a serious problem and non silica blasting agents often have a small amount of silica in them, and if they don't start off that way they get contaminated with silica as they're used and re-used.

The nurse and I have most of the other volunteers at the aviation museum using N95 masks when they're using the blasting cabinet. And if it's not a blasting cabinet you need way more protection than that. There are no bonus points for taking a chance.
Thank you very much for this. I really appreciate it. I hope you don't have any lasting effects.

I may very well go this route.
 
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