Anodized Brass: The Definitive Guide

You must be wondering what anodized brass is and what is its use? Well, anodizing is a coating method to create a protective layer on metals. It is normally done on titanium (Ti) and aluminum (Al) products, but the question is how to color brass, or can you anodize brass? Yes, you can anodize brass and change its color. Now you are thinking there are also other coating methods so why carry out this process. This article will answer all your queries about this subject. It highlights the process, technique, benefits, applications, and other important aspects of anodize brass that must be kept in mind when working with anodize brass.

What is anodized brass?

Anodized brass is produced by dipping the brass in electrolytic media and then passing the current through the alloy. This results in rust-free and durable coating over the brass alloy. Coating is transparent yellow in color for brass due to polyester top powder coat such as satin brass. This coating provides glossy finish to brass. Topcoats are usually transparent and the brightness and color of the product below this coating influences the finishing appearance.

What metals can you anodize?

Many metals can be anodized like aluminum and its alloys, nickel copper, gold, stainless steels, tin, titanium, and its alloys. So far, Al is commonly anodized because of its durability, and it is readily available. It also has a benefit to achieving different colors as dyes ae utilized for desired appearance.

Can Brass be Anodized?

Yes, it can easily be anodized. Anodizing produces a high-quality protective layer which helps in corrosion and wear resistance. If you are looking for an appealing color finishing like a satin brass or for a protection layer for your brass product, anodizing is the best choice for brass. Cost effectiveness and long lasting are the features in anodize brass that makes it considerable for many consumers.

Advantages of anodizing Brass

First and the most important advantage is the corrosion resistance of brass. Wear and tear resistance are also improved in anodize brass. Brass products last longer with anodizing. As brass is a soft material, therefore, it is easy to be coated and processed as compared to other alloys. The delicate and intricate designs of brass can easily be anodized as compared to other coating methods. Anodizing is a cost-effective method for brass; therefore, it is preferable for many consumers. It provides a satin brass look to anodize brass which is also used for decorative purposes.

Anodized brass types

Many consumers ask can you anodize brass in different coating? Yes, you can, or it is also asked how to color brass? So, there are typically two ways which are explained below:

Black anodized brass

Have you ever wondered can you color brass? Yes, anodized brass can be colored differently such as black. Black anodize brass is utilized specifically for the high emission for heat dissipation. It is useful for stray light suppression. Black coating provides additional non-conductive features, and better paint adhesion properties with high surface lubrication in anodized brass.

Heat anodizing brass

Heat coloring or heating the brass for some color is heat anodizing. Normally, brass is heated to a specific temperature that changes its color, texture and light wave diffraction started. It has the same results as anodizing, but it is technically not anodizing process because no electric current is utilized. It performs better for bright base finish like brushed bass or satin brass. Bead blasts addition also add color the brass.

How to anodize brass: A Step-By-Step Guide

Following steps are involved in anodize brass:

Step 1: Brass cleansing

Cleaning must be made sure before starting the anodizing. Any dirt or debris is essential to remove from surface as this is surface finish process so better results are obtained if full surface is accessible. Normally degassers and chemicals are used to clean and then rinsing with water is essential to remove the chemical residues.

Step 2: anodize liquid preparation

Prepare the anodize solution which is 10part distilled water and 1part phosphoric acid. Nonmetallic containers are used to prepare solution and mixing is carried out with additives if necessary. Additives are added depending on the applications and requirements.

Step 3: applying liquid on brass

The prepared liquid is applied over brass product through spraying. It is important to all the areas and then it is left for 30 min to set and penetrate the solution into the product. It is then rinsed off and dried off the product.

Step 4: anodizing

Anodize machine is set up for anodizing. The machine is connected to power cables and variables like temperature and time are set up and the part is submerged and current passes through it. This creates a thick and strong coating layer over the part.

Step 5: sealing

Pores in the products are sealed by applying sealant and create a hard, satin brass finish. The product is then ready to use.

Anodized brass finish

Slight thickness increases with anodizing in brass. Anodic coating is highly durable and has abrasive resistance which gives a satin brass finish. The finish of anodized brass is cleaner, smoother, and brighter.

Anodized brass powder coat

Anodize brass can be powder coated. Powder coating is organic and is better than some of the paints. But their durability is less and cannot survive high abrasion like anodized brass or plated brass.

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Anodized brass uses

Anodize brass has several applications. It is used in:

1. Making architectural hardware like knob, door handle, frame, and railing.
2. Making Jewelry for fashion purposes.
3. Making light fixtures like chandelier
Electrical items for conductivity applications
4. Decorative elements like ornaments
5. Auto industries for car decoration.
6. Medical devices and tools like dental or surgical tools.

Anode rod brass fitting

Anode rods brass fittings are used in the water heaters. This fitting runs down the tank center and is for corrosion protection of heaters. It helps in preventing damage from mineral or impurities. It increases the service life of water heaters.

How to blacken brass

Brass can be blackened by carrying out chemical treatments over brass products. Part is dipped in chemical, and oxidation blackens the brass. Heat treatments can also blacken the brass by oxidation over high temperatures. Lastly powder coatings and paint can blacken the brass to the desired results.

Anodized aluminum vs brass

Anodize aluminum and brass both have different features and are ideal for their respective applications.

Their difference is explained in the table below.