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Best way to finish LARGE ALUMINUM PIECE to look like COPPER?

I have a large spun aluminum dish. (1/8 " thick by 60 inches in diameter by 5 inches deep) The challenge is to make the aluminum appear to be copper. For several reasons including weight considerations I could not use copper. I've investigated anodizing but the size of the dish (can't find an anodizing tank large enough) and the cost of the process make anodizing impractical. I learned that powder coating can be done in a copper- like finish. I was wondering if anyone might tell me if this type of finish would really make aluminum look like copper. Can you suggest another way to get a 60½ aluminum dish to look like copper?

Do you know of a place in the New York city area ( I'm in Westchester) that would offer such a color in powder coat?

Robert Niosi
hobbyist / Artist - Briarcliff Manor, New York, USA
2003

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OPTION 1.:You can chemically oxidize your dish and then you can dye it.

OPTION 2.:electroless zinc+electroless copper

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
2003

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July 20, 2010

I have done similar projects using paints and finishes to create a copper or bronze finish. Hobby stores even have kits that make it very easy creating a nice patina and a polished metal look.

Steven Paul Carlson
- Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA