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

Anodizing Masking

I am a Graduate Engineer in my first year. The project that I am working on at the present is to find a masking material for use in the anodising plant. The masking is to be sprayed onto the component prior to hard thick anodising, and easily removed after the process is complete. The masking that is used at the moment is hand painted on to the component, when we tried to spray it the masking (rubber type) Atomized before hitting the surface of the component. Any Ideas for masking materials would be grateful.

Mark Chell
- Leicester, England.
2000

I doubt if there is any maskant that can not be sprayed with the right spray equipment and a suitable solvent. This by no means indicates that you can get a thick enough coating in one pass. It is not uncommon to have to use 3 coats with tack time between coats with or without heat.

There are several good latex based materials on the market. each has their idiosyncrasies and strong points.

The right spray equipment will vary with the different materials. Rubber based maskants will normally be best applied with a high pressure rig vs a normal car painting setup.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2000

---

Hello Mark,

Have you tried a self amalgamating or item like this? Cliff

Cliff Shephard
- Charlotte, North Carolina
2000