MTB frame anodising

[Raggieride]

Has anyone ever had an aluminium frame anodised?

Anodising is much harder than any existing paint and seems a logical choice for a frame.

Currently restoring and old dh bike and wanted to hear if anyone has done this before?.

[JXV]

Quite a few of the Maverick bikes were supplied anodised. Very durable. Mine still looking good 12 years on....

 

Bright colours may fade so discuss with the anodiser and maybe consider darker tones

[darthmuller1]

Anodising a frame is a very tricky business.

 

There are many variables that will affect the quality of the anodise layer.

 

Yes it is possible, but  here are a bunch of problems:

 

The frame needs to be in awesome condition first, anodising hides no sins, it will only make marks, scratches and impurities in welds more evident.

 

The whole frame will need to be stripped of paint chemically and then polished and cleaned, which will be an expensive exercise.

 

Usually the manufacturer selects specific alloys and welding rods knowing the frame will be anodised. If the filler rod is not of a specific grade suitable for anodising it will absorb the dye either more or less and result in a patchy finish.

 

There are a whole bunch of other issues that get far more technical. How do I know this?

I worked in the US in the 90s for a frame builder and we did various finishes on the 6061-T6 frames. We did a whole bunch of anodised frames and even sent frames to specialist anodising plants that could silkscreen artwork onto the anodised layer.

 

Most of the frames were powder coated or sent to ball burnishing plant this process hardens the outer aluminium surface and helps to keep that mirror like polished finish.

 

But hey, you might be lucky and it works out awesome. But if it turns out crappy, the frame will need to be stripped of the anodising layer using something like sodium hydroxide which basically eats aluminium. 

 

Long story, but it might save you a headache.

[Raggieride]

Anodising a frame is a very tricky business.

 

There are many variables that will affect the quality of the anodise layer.

 

Yes it is possible, but  here are a bunch of problems:

 

The frame needs to be in awesome condition first, anodising hides no sins, it will only make marks, scratches and impurities in welds more evident.

 

The whole frame will need to be stripped of paint chemically and then polished and cleaned, which will be an expensive exercise.

 

Usually the manufacturer selects specific alloys and welding rods knowing the frame will be anodised. If the filler rod is not of a specific grade suitable for anodising it will absorb the dye either more or less and result in a patchy finish.

 

There are a whole bunch of other issues that get far more technical. How do I know this?

I worked in the US in the 90s for a frame builder and we did various finishes on the 6061-T6 frames. We did a whole bunch of anodised frames and even sent frames to specialist anodising plants that could silkscreen artwork onto the anodised layer.

 

Most of the frames were powder coated or sent to ball burnishing plant this process hardens the outer aluminium surface and helps to keep that mirror like polished finish.

 

But hey, you might be lucky and it works out awesome. But if it turns out crappy, the frame will need to be stripped of the anodising layer using something like sodium hydroxide which basically eats aluminium. 

 

Long story, but it might save you a headache.

Thanks, sounds like a nightmare to get right and it may be an expensive chance to take. Might just have to resort to good old paint!

[Ampandy]

All I can say is go for it. Complete frame with polishing done by astro is under 1k you just strip the frame and all paint.

[Riaan373]

Have a look on the forum. There was someone with a dual sus Morewood who started a tread and he had a frame anodized in purple which looked awesome.... If I can find it myself I will post the link.

[Butterbean]

Have a look on the forum. There was someone with a dual sus Morewood who started a tread and he had a frame anodized in purple which looked awesome.... If I can find it myself I will post the link.

That was patches. Hi frame looked brilliant and I doubt he went through all the detailed work above.

 

Go for it! Why not?

[Raggieride]

That was patches. Hi frame looked brilliant and I doubt he went through all the detailed work above.

 

Go for it! Why not?

Thanks! Will give patches a shout.