Some metal items can't be anodized.
The process of anodizing is an alternative to painting and finishing metals to avoid corrosion. Many people rely on professional anodizers to perform this process; others do the job at home. First, though, you should make sure that the metal you intent to anodize can handle -- and be served by -- the process. Does this Spark an idea?
Car Parts
Many people like to anodize their car parts to keep them from rusting early. Professional anodizers will heat and dip these parts in chemical solutions and dyes to perform the process. The do-it-yourself version of this process involves a battery, nitric acid, commercial dye and safety equipment. Car parts and other materials made of aluminum, zinc, stainless steel, magnesium or titanium alloys are candidates for this process.
Gun Parts
Whether for firing or collecting, keeping your weapon free of rust and other corrosion is imperative to preserving its worth and usefulness. In addition to regular cleaning and oiling, protect your weapon by having its parts anodized, as long as they're made of suitable alloys. Check with the manufacturer before moving forward, though, to ensure which parts are suitable to be anodized.
Other Materials
According to Focuser.com, horseshoes made of aluminum or other alloys are well-served by anodizing, as are certain parts of paintball guns. Billet aluminum is best suited for this, however, since cast aluminum's additives lend the final product a poor finished appearance. This process can be performed throughout -- and not just in the beginning -- of a part's life too, as it adds only about .001 inches to the dimension of the part. Make sure this slight increase won't alter the performance of the part.
Coloring Process
Adding a dye of your choice during the anodization process can give your horse's shoes -- or gun, or car part for that matter -- a certain color. If left without dye, the anodization process may or may not slightly change the color of your part. According to AAA Anodizing in Piney Flats, Tennessee, the color change can also be affected by buffing and various other polishing or dipping methods.
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