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Anodized aluminum tank

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NCAmother:
Thanks guys, the process I was looking at was what Jim mentioned, where the color does change to a darker color, many layers of anodizing.  Price quoted was cheap (in my opinion) at $180.  I didn't know about fading, but that makes sense.  I'm starting to think I'll just keep the tank as is, but I appreciate everyones help :)

Triple Jim:
Just to clarify, if you get the Martin Hardcoat type, it will be opaque, matte, and depending on alloy, probably dark grey.  That type of anodizing is often used when you need a hard, wear-resistant surface.  The oxide layer is way thicker than decorative anodizing, and can be around one thousandth of an inch thick.

NCAmother:

--- Quote from: Triple Jim on March 24, 2015, 10:58:52 AM ---Just to clarify, if you get the Martin Hardcoat type, it will be opaque, matte, and depending on alloy, probably dark grey.  That type of anodizing is often used when you need a hard, wear-resistant surface.  The oxide layer is way thicker than decorative anodizing, and can be around one thousandth of an inch thick.

--- End quote ---
Ah, it might be different than what I heard.  Ano-Tech offers the decorative single pass anodizing, and also a military spec multiple step process where the aluminum is chemical etched beforehand, and goes thru many different washes.  According to the person I talked to, they call this hard coating and is often used in abusive environments, like the boat industry, aero industry, and military .
This is my half rough/knee polished tank I was thinking of getting the hard coat 
How do you expect the Martin Hardcoat will affect the polished part, will it look like a dark satin?

Triple Jim:
The hardcoat anodizing I've had done will completely hide the aluminum like dark grey paint.  If your plater mentioned "hardcoat", he was probably referring to the Martin process.  He does it for a living though, so he's the one to ask about the final appearance.  I had it done to 6061-T6, and the chances are your tank is a different alloy.

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