This is especially important for surfaces which have previously been cleaned with an acid cleaner. This may react with the clear coating and cause black streaks.
Be careful not to use lacquer thinner. Lacquer thinner contains oils that can contaminate the surface.
Don’t bring naked flames anywhere near the area you are spraying in. Make sure to not apply too much solution as this may run and dry in streaks.
If a further coat is necessary, you can repeat these steps after 24 hrs.
The aluminium object cannot have any marks on it, even a fingerprint, as any marks will be permanently anodized onto the metal.
Lead flashing is commonly used to protect roofs and you can buy it online or at a hardware store. Hang the lead cathodes over the edges of the tank using anodising jigs (hooks for the edges of the tank). These can be bought at a hardware store or online or you can make them out of titanium wire.
If you don’t have a variable-voltage power supply, use a fixed-voltage power supply with a voltage appropriate to the object being anodised.
The electrolyte may heat up when the acid and water mix, so you should leave the electrolyte to cool for at least 18 hours.
Watch for bubbles rising from the aluminium object. This shows that the anodising process is happening properly.
