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Coloring aluminum for metalcast art

I have just recently become interested in metal casting. I am looking to make decorative items mainly for friends and family as gifts. Easiest metal for me to get ahold of is aluminum and I was curious what the best way to color the metal without painting it is? I do not know specific colors I would be needing unfortunately, but was hoping to get some general ideas to work with. Is it possible to color it by adding a chemical or another substance when melting it down? Or, would I need to find a finishing process for after it is cast and what would be best if thats the case?

Shawn Brooks
Hobbyist - El Campo, Texas, USA
August 21, 2008

Ed. note: Sorry, this RFQ is old & outdated, so contact info is no longer available. However, if you feel that something technical should be said in reply, please post it; no public commercial suggestions please ( huh? why?)

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Hi, Shawn. You can't cast color into metal, but aluminum can be reliably anodized, dyed, and sealed. Not an easy process, and some say it should be restricted to industrialists rather than done by hobbyists. But it can be done and will give you great color from every perspective.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
August 22, 2008