That was exactly what I was looking for, with the exception that it doesn't
give home store sources for the desmut, color, and sealer process. It does
tell how to clean (hot soapy water) and anodize clear (battery acid and a
battery charger) but nothing else.

I'll experiment and get back to you all...

Jim



"UltraJohn" wrote in message
ink.net...
RST Engineering wrote:

It simply transfers the black toner to the aluminum surface. I haven't
tried painting the surface before transferring, but if I'm careful I can
probably get away with it without scorching the paint.

Anybody got a cheap and dirty way of coloring aluminum without paint? I
haven't seen a good cheap way of using dye nor a good anodizing method.
I
can get gold by using alodine, but the coating is rather subject to
scuffing.


Jim
This is an excellent very detailed article I came across a while back. He
hawks his 'kit' but also gives complete details on how to do it on your
own. The kit is nice for people who just want to "do it".
John

http://www.focuser.com/atm/anodize/anodize.html