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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Do we need sealing after coloring of hard anodized parts?
Is it important to seal after coloring of hard anodized parts. I have a design requirement that prevents me from sealing. However I need the parts to be colored for identification. I am confused. please help.
G. Muralidharan
steering systems - Chennai, TamilNadu, India
2006
Colored coatings should be sealed for lightfastness and to prevent absorption of stains and dirt. But hard anodized coatings are usually not sealed because it softens the coating.
As a guideline for your situation, it is reasonably common to dye
"Type 2-1/2" hard coatings and leave them unsealed. I'd say you can dye the parts for identification without sealing -- although they will be subject to absorbing stains and dirt. If you are able provide further details of your situation hopefully we can probably answer better. Thanks.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2006
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