Ferric Chloride may be safer than Muratic Acid

Not even close.



http://www.artmondo.net/printworks/articles/ferric.htm
Spent ferric chloride can be neutralized with soda as well.

Yes, and you wind up with several gallons of the most wonderful brown
permanent dye you can imagine.




Plus, I THIINK Ferric Chloride is the commonly available de-smuting
solution you need to anodize 2000 series aluminum.

I'm only going to worry about anodizing 5052, which has very little copper
or zinc, so desmutting shouldn't be a problem.



For dyeing anodized aluminum, try RIT, or page through this catalog:
http://dharmatrading.com/html/eng/2934904-AA.shtml Sealing, I guess
you'll have to use clear lacquer.

I had thought about RIT, and I've been told that food dye will also do the
job. I'll just have to experiment.

Jim