Phantom Acid Wash Anodizing Question

[Maxwell]

I'm just wondering what the anodizer likely used as a masking agent or color removal in the process. I've seen KMDPB videos (thank you by the way) where he used nail polish and a bleached rag and I've also seen a guy do some dirt bike parts with a sort of flexible plastic that looked close but I'm wondering if anyone has more insight. The old Phantom acid washes just have such an elegant flow to them and great transition between the colors. It seems like it would have to be a liquid (less viscous than nail polish) poured onto them or something. Wondering if anyone has this ancient knowledge or a best guess.

Unnecessary information:
I'm looking to dive into anodizing as my father and I explore the idea of starting a business together. He would run the CNC side of things, and I anodizing potentially. This would be a side hustle with hopes that we get to enjoy our hobbies for "free" rather than a true empire in the making. My first real goal after much practice and mastering the basics would be to be able to match some parts for my old acid wash Phantoms.

[Melrosejedi]

Acid wash is done by removing a color before its set via a chemical. Bleach will remove a color from the metal. A simple color applied to part(say green) and then dabbed with bleach would leave a removed color area in silver(bare aluminum) and you would have a green/silver acid wash. Annodizing is about laying and removing colors before its set with heat,usually boiling water. The process is surrounded in secrets and to become proficient takes time,research and practice. Its a rewarding experience and appreciate folks explaining their processes and hope you have some rewarding ones yourself .

[Maxwell]

Melrosejedi I appreciate the reply. It is definitely hard to find information about the process but KMDPB really knocked it out of the park for teaching. I think I worded my question poorly.

I think I have a semi decent understanding of how to get the two different colors but I'm looking for speculation on the particular method used to create the pattern on Phantoms. Poured bleach on the parts, dabbed bleach, poured liquid plastic, poured nail polish, other agents? I wonder how they create that almost bowling ball like pattern. Maybe it's just trial and error to figure it out!

[jetenginekyle]

most likely bleach poured down a stick so that its creates a wispy "thread" of liquid over the part. Experimenting with different levels of dilution of the bleach and you should be able to get very close.

[Melrosejedi]

I would guess dabbed bleach

[KMDPB]

Its done by bleaching/acid washing the part when its wet instead of dry. If the part is dry it will pretty much only remove color where you touch it. If the part is wet, it will mix with the water on the part and become diluted and "run" more. Two different effects depending on whether the part is wet or dry. Sounds very simple but requires an artistic touch.

[Maxwell]

The legend himself! Makes a ton of sense, that was the missing piece. Thank you, and thanks for the information you've put out there

[KMDPB]

Thank you I am glad it has been helpful I would like to make more videos on anodizing but dont really know what to show and if people even care that much

[Maxwell]

Well I can only speak for myself and my father but we really enjoyed how real your video was (not super edited just a dude doing his thing) and how informative you were. We would definitely watch more projects.

Video ideas I'd personally like to see:

1.Recreate the Phantom Acid Wash 😁
2. The affects of different finishes/polishes on the metal before anno
3. Just other projects in general. Tips and tricks for common issues etc.

[jetenginekyle]

https://www.mcarterbrown.com/forum/c...g-log-progress

Check out the thread on the topic from when i got into it a while back. There are some how tos /steps in there

[Maxwell]

I hadn't seen this thread in my search, excited to read through it. Thank you.