The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Feasibility of clear anodizing 4 cast aluminum boat hatches

Can a sailor clear anodize 4 cast aluminum hatches on his boat? I have a 1988 sailboat with four small hatches made of cast aluminum. The paint is flaking off. After sanding it down to the aluminum, I liked the look without paint. The manufacturer said that the aluminum would have to be protected against sun and saltwater environments with a clear anodizing process. Can a do-it-yourself guy clear anodize the cast aluminum boat hatches himself? What coating/chemicals could be used? Any safety concerns?

Thanks for any help.

Roger J. Simmons
Retired Diplomat and Sailor - Washington, , D.C., USA
2004

For best overall results, diplomats should not try anodizing and anodizers should not try international diplomacy. Find a local anodizer.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2004