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Coloring Titanium

 

I'd like to Anodize Titanium to match an existing color. I am trying color match an existing color. I am trying to reproduce a Dark Brown (Burnt Umber color) I have read that trisodium phosphate ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] is a relatively safe chemical that can be used for Anodizing Titanium.

I was told that Coca-Cola contains Phosphate that can Anodize Titanium. I ACTUALLY tried it with a 9 Volt battery.I managed to get a golden yellow color. It was of course not the color I wanted to achieve.

If there is anyone that can suggest how I can achieve the surest results let me know. Perhaps I only need a brown dye mixed in with the Coca-Cola.

If I should use trisodium phosphate ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . I would have to mix it with water (It is a powder). I would need to know how much of it I should add to the water. I probably need to know how much dye to add if it is necessary. Finally I would like to know what voltage is best. Ed

Edward Chin
- Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

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2006

Feel free to continue using Coke. However, the colour you produce is dependent upon the voltage you use to anodize the material. To get a brown colour, you should need between twenty and thirty volts. You can get this by chaining multiple flashlight batteries together in series, or by using a proper power supply.

I cannot stress this enough: Do not use two car batteries! Your anodizing circuit is likely a very good conductor, and if you short circuit a car battery through a particularly good connector it will explode. I mean that literally, and I've personally seen it happen. Don't let it happen to you, if you value your eyesight.

Coke can often be used to very good results. What I've actually seen done is to create a pattern out of tin foil, adhere it to a sheet of paper towel, then soak the towel in Coke. Wire the foil into the circuit and stick the rig onto the piece to be anodized. You should see a very clear copy of the pattern anodized onto the workpiece. The thinner the paper towel is, the sharper the edges of the pattern will look.

Hope this helps!

Kevin Smith
- Seattle, Washington