< ELECTROPOLISHING
ANODISING
Anodising is a finishing process primarily associated with aluminium alloys and other LIGHT METALS, including magnesium and titanium. A common feature of all these metals is that they form a resistant refractory oxide surface in the presence of oxygen.
Anodising is carried out by connecting the sculpture to a positive terminal (ANODE), whist immersed in an ELECTROLYTE BATH composed of a chromic, or sulphuric acid in solution. As an electrical current passes across, the anodic terminal produces oxygen and a corrosion resistant oxide layer is deposited over the attached metal object. DYES may be added into the electrolyte allowing a colour to be ingrained into the design’s surface. Integral to the deposited oxide layer, an anodised colour is exceptionally difficult to remove from the parent metal, thus imparting an extremely durable finish and stable colouring to the work.
In addition to black, a range of colours can be applied to an aluminium artwork through anodisation, these are perhaps best characterised by the bright ‘electric’ colours often deposited on modern industrial and domestic fixtures and fastenings (see ALUMINIUM in the METALS section for information on alloy grades).
GALVANISING & OTHER COATINGS >
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