Description

Bright Dyes®: Finishing Additives for Anodizing Dyes

We understand that every project and application is different. What will work for some projects will not work for others. That is why along with our huge assortment of anodizing dyes, we also offer finishing additives. Bright Dyes® Anodizing Dyes manufactures finishing additives to prevent smut and yellow-coatings. The result is a smooth surface.

When to Use Finishing Additives

There are some alloys which are difficult or impossible to hard anodize in sulfuric acid. In fact, Mil A-8625 notes that aluminum with greater than 5% copper or 8% silicon cannot be hard coated except in special situations. Proprietary “additives”, which may be oxalic and glycolic acid among other materials, can help to make hard coating of these alloys possible. These additives also may allow operation of the bath at higher temperatures, perhaps about halfway between traditional Type 2 anodizing temperatures and hard coat (Type 3) temperatures. For this reason, the slang term “Type 2-1/2” is often used to describe these proprietary anodizing baths.

Depending on the application, the type of finishing additives you need will change. We offer a full selection to ensure you find the right solution for the job at hand. Use the chart below to help you find the right finishing additives from Bright Dyes®.