Home anodizing kits?

[boxhead]

I am just wondering if anyone has purchased one.
And if so any feedback?
I am looking to redo all nuts, bolts, brackets etc on a car in the gold coloring, so they look new.

[dave295]

StreetMachine magazine did a how to type article on this in the last couple of years. I can't remember when. Someone else might know.

[deano59]

ANODIZING

everything ya need to set up

[PeterAllen]

Do you mean anodizing aluminium or electroplating steel to look like cad plating?

As cad plating is no longer done you will need to have steel zinc plated and then passivated either with the yellow/gold or an aluminium/silver finish. I just had a whole bunch of stuff PROFESSIONALLY done for $60 which I thought was much better than farting around trying to do it myself.

In hindsight I wish I had gone for the aluminium/silver finish rather than the yellow/gold.

[leroy17]

In the past I have used A Grade anodising at Yatala. For memory they charged a flat fee for what fitted on the racks.

For example the rack has provisions for about 18 items, have anodised for flat fee of $50 (may have changed as this was a few years ago).

Now they did not do any finishing if the item, so if you want it polished for a shine look, or brushed for a flat look, it's up to you. The final finish will all depend on the preparation, and anodise does not fill in scratches or marks like other finishing methods may assist with.

I saw that street machine article, was a great do it yourself. But bulk lots may not be as bad priced as you think, even factoring in postage.

[leroy17]

For memory, they have about 14 different colours, this should cover what your looking for.

[Mrs flatchat]

Have to agree !! with Peter Allen. Send it to the pros, you're better off in the long run
I've used the "Jane" Kits for some zinc plating of iron based metals-- it does work but its more of a PITA
A Grade at Yatala QLD for anodizing Aluminium or Speed Flow in Taree NSW Speedflow Australia - Custom Anodising
Anodising is a surface hardening process for Aluminium and then it can be colored
Electroless nickel plating (looks like chrome) is another cost effective process
Remember! --electro plated items need to "normalised " (tempered) to reduce hydrogen embrittlement --unless you want an array of bolt heads resting on the floor of your garage

[boxhead]

Sadly there are no local places in Alice who offer this service.
Postage on heavy parts is stupidly expensive.

I am happy to spend $300-$400 to buy a kit (I will spend more than that just on postage).

Yes Peter Allen, the yellow like in your pictures is what I am chasing. (I get zinc and anodizing mixed up and think they are the same)

If postage was cheaper I can get them done for free in Melbourne, but postage kills it.

[renovationinnov]

box head [ dave ]
just went a car show & seen a product you may , suit your needs
called dna genetically modified paints
they have a wed site DNA® – Custom Paints & Finishes
Australian made in all type of fx coatings
its worth a look
rob

[mando s]

Hi Boxhead, this information might be wrong, but as I understand there is normal anodizing that most anodizers do such as aluminum window frames and then there is hard anodizing which people like Speedflow in Sydney do. I rang around and found there are no hard anodizers in Adelaide.
I also have found a crowd in WA which again as far as I know are the only people that can hard anodize steel and stainless steel. I've had both stainless steel and steel treated. Most came back show quality but some were less than average. He offered to redo them but those parts being stainless I deceided to have them polished.
I hope some of this makes sense!

Regards.

[750hp]

For DIY playing kits, these guys seem to have a lot of good "Google their name and see what you find" feedback;

Jane Kits : contents: nickel plating kits, zinc plating kits, copper plating kits, gold plating kits

[guye]

Originally Posted by 750hp

For DIY playing kits, these guys seem to have a lot of good "Google their name and see what you find" feedback;

Jane Kits : contents: nickel plating kits, zinc plating kits, copper plating kits, gold plating kits

Wow! That would have to be one of the best laid out, simple, informative, interesting websites I've ever read. I went through every page. If that's anything to go by, then the 'included information book' would be encyclopaedic!

In fact, it is so impressive I just sent them an email telling them that. (We are always quick to criticise things but seldom do we tell people and businesses 'well done' - so I though I'd make an effort).

Nice find, Craig.