How to chemically remove titanium anodizing?

[drummerdimitri]

So I just started my journey with anodizing titanium as I have many EDC items that are made of this material and I thought they could use some color.

Since I'm still not sure what voltage to set on my power supply to get the desired color with different types of finish, I'd like to be able to easily undo the process in case the color is not to my taste due to lack of experience.

I don't want to mechanically removed the anodizing since that would ruin the original finish so I was thinking what chemical methods would remove the oxide layer without attacking the base metal?

Hope this can be done with household items as it would be hard to source acids and such here in Lebanon.

 

[PirateSeulb]

Titanium anodizing it from heat or voltage not chemical you can shit the color further in a direction with more heat or voltage but to go backwards you have to sand away the anodized layer.

 

[ferider]

That’s what I use:

 

[badmatt]

Nitric and Hydroflouric acid.

I 1000% do not recommend doing this in the home shop.

 

[OrangeBlueOrangeBlue]

Whink Rust Remover

 

[P.C.E.]

Whink Rust Remover

That's what I use, it does leave a matte finish which I don't mind. Bar Keepers Friend works as well but takes a bit more work.

 

[Chuck_Nunface]

Whinks will remove ano.

 

[sgt1372]

Whink Rust Remover

This^ is what the research I've done previously on the Net says works to remove anno.

It's widely available thru Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware and even thru AMZN. Just don't use it indoors -- outdoors only, wear googles and chem resistant (not just playtex or latex) gloves and have a abundant water source on hand for any emergencies that may arise.

I'm still trying to find a blue M390 Spyderco Slysz Bowie Exclusive to buy for a "reasonable" price and, if I do, I plan to use it to remove the blue.

 

[91bravo]

I’ve always just lightly sandblasted the Ti back it’s raw color. The anodizing layer is not very thick. Sand blasting will leave your Ti with a rough matte finish, like a Sebenza finish though.

 

[sharp_edge]

Be mindful when using whink. That stuff removes anodization (and the underlying titanium) VERY fast.

 

[PirateSeulb]

Really as you can see everything will change the finish so if you can't replicate the finish then you will need to know the color scale with titanium and just charge to the desired color or below.

 

[drummerdimitri]

Nitric and Hydroflouric acid.

I 1000% do not recommend doing this in the home shop.

As I am not able to buy "Whink" where I live, what commonly found items contain these acids? Think drain cleaner/oven cleaner etc.

 

[OrangeBlueOrangeBlue]

As I am not able to buy "Whink" where I live, what commonly found items contain these acids? Think drain cleaner/oven cleaner etc.

Whink is just diluted hydrofluoric acid. I've used Greased Lightning degreaser to remove anodizing, but it doesn't work as well.

 

[Mr.Wizard]

Whink is just diluted hydrofluoric acid.

I've said it before but I am disturbed HF is sold as a toilet, sink, and carpet(!) cleaner. Heed the warning on the label: "Causes severe burns which may not be immediately painful or visible."