Can I seal Anodized scales to protect them from oils from my hands?

E

ericvar101

Joined
Feb 24, 2012
Messages
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I figured this was the place to ask this question. I recently purchased from Ti scales for my Spyderco Paramilitary II (Flytanium). I had them Anodized to a very nice blue color, but of course the oils from my hands cause variations in the color. When the scales are clean they look great.

I remember having a pair of Anodized Kevin Wilkins scales for a BM mini-Griptilian I owned a few years ago and they did not have this problem. I was wondering if there is something I can do to prevent this from happening.

I was thinking about trying to apply some tile and grout sealer to prevent the finger oils from causing this. I figured I would run it by you guys before doing anything. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks in advance for your advice.
 
Use it and then have it re anodized in the future. I assume you could use a lacker or clear enamel to coat it. Never thought of trying that tho.
 
I have an anodized Titanium bicycle frame that was treated with Silicone to prevent finger prints.
 
The wilkins scales didn't have that problem probably because they were aluminum. There's not a coating that I'm aware of that will hold up to every day use but if you find one please let us know!
 
Anodizing on titanium will eventually rub off, it's essentially a thin layer of colored metal on the outside of the titanium, while anodized alumium usually uses some type of hard coat, making it a lot more wear resistant. Best thing I've heard to make the color of anodizing pop is Windex to clean the oils off, I would assume isopropyl alcohol or acetone would do the same.

Sadly, no matter what the color will eventually fade. Anodizing is not forever.
 
I recommend Renaissance Wax it is a very hard wax used in museums and for art objects. Available from the giant mail order web site.

I have used it on carbon steel polished knife blades, very durable.

Regards,
FK
 
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