You can find small aluminum parts for this purpose relatively affordably from most home improvement stores, as well as online. During this process, the part that you are anodizing will function as your anode.
You can also buy special dye for anodizing that may produce better results.
A degreaser product 2 lead cathodes long enough to overhang your plastic bin A roll of aluminum wire Enough distilled water to fill your plastic tub Baking soda Rubber gloves
The lye will remove any existing anodizing on the surface of the metal. Once it is removed, water should pour off the surface easily, instead of beading. Wear rubber gloves whenever working with lye. Do not use measuring spoons or cups that are used for food products. The materials used in this process are toxic.
For best results, do this when the indoor temperature is between 70 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 22 degrees Celsius).
You will need to connect the positive wire from your battery charger or rectifier to a wire that will be strung to your aluminum. You will need to connect your negative wire from your battery charger to an aluminum wire connected to 2 lead cathodes.
The area of the part that connects to the wire will not anodize. Make sure it is very tightly wrapped for a more consistent charge.
Test the wooden handle to make sure your aluminum part will be fully submerged in the acid mix, but not touching the base of your plastic tub.
Make sure the wire connecting the anode does not touch the lead cathodes.
Put on a mask or respirator before you start working with acid. Turn on a fan to ventilate the area. Always pour the water in before the acid. If you spill any acid, cover it quickly with baking soda.
Before you turn on your power supply, check the area around your plastic tub to make sure there aren’t any spills. You should also double-check to ensure the power is safely connected and your skin is completely covered.
Increasing the power too fast or using too much can burn your aluminum wires.
If you don’t see bubbles forming within about 30 seconds of starting your power supply, turn your power supply off and check your connections. This is usually an indicator that your power supply wasn’t properly connected.
Heating the dye will help increase the amount of pigment your part picks up. However, the dye should not be heated to a temperature over 122 °F (50 °C). Dye can be damaging to pots, so use an old one that you no longer use for food.
Work quickly if you plan on dying your part. Be sure to wear protective gloves when retrieving and rinsing your part.
If you do not plan on dying your aluminum part, skip straight to boiling the part in distilled water for 30 minutes.
