Titanium annodizing

[Austin Gollaher]

Hey everyone. I did a bad job of heat coloring on the scales of my zt 0456 and its very faint and hardly visible. I was wondering if i could just anodized it as is, or if i need to remove the heat coloring. I know how to anodize so thats not a problem. But how should i remove thr coloring (if i even need to)

 

[Lapedog]

Hey everyone. I did a bad job of heat coloring on the scales of my zt 0456 and its very faint and hardly visible. I was wondering if i could just anodized it as is, or if i need to remove the heat coloring. I know how to anodize so thats not a problem. But how should i remove thr coloring (if i even need to)

Heat “colouring” Ti is a form of anodizing so you will have to take it off.

I recommend Whink Ruststain remover which will strip the titanium bare of any colour in a matter of seconds. Just remember to remove all steel from the titanium because whink will etch steel in seconds. Things that cannot be removed such as a steel detent ball should be covered with a layer of nailpolish completely before dunking the ti in the Whink.

 

[marrenmiller]

What lapedog said. Definitely remove the anodizing first, either through chemical means or via abrasives. Scotchbrite works wonders to remove anodizing and prep the surface for etching, but it can give your part a slight satin look that you may not want.

Before using Whinks or any etchant, make sure that you apply nail polish to the steel detent ball and let it fully cure beforehand. Also, any steel that you can't remove from the titanium parts should be covered entirely with nail polish during the anodizing process, or else it will get etched there, too.

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

And be careful of breathing in the whinks...its not good for you at all. If possible, wear a respirator.

Edit to add: Also, when the whinks is doing its work, it lets off gas. That is the worst part to breathe in. Use with caution. And outdoors if possible.

 

[Petunia D. Feeble]

And be careful of breathing in the whinks...its not good for you at all. If possible, wear a respirator.

Edit to add: Also, when the whinks is doing its work, it lets off gas. That is the worst part to breathe in. Use with caution. And outdoors if possible.

I'd go so far as to say JUST WEAR A RESPIRATOR. If you can't get one then don't use the Whink. You can always just sand the anodizing off.(which you should still wear at least a paper mask for)

Remember, inhalants don't usually kill you now. They do it 20 years down the road.