Anodizing is a popular process for enhancing the durability and aesthetic appeal of aluminum products. There are various anodizing colors and the two of the most sought-after finishes of them are black and gold. If you compare anodize aluminum black vs gold, you will find that both have some unique properties. However, a  common question arises: which color takes longer to achieve?

There are various factors that influence the processing time of black and gold anodizing. The color is added through acidic dyeing baths after anodizing. Adding a color deeply saturates the pores of the oxide coating. 

We’ll discuss how anodizing works and whether black or gold anodizing is a quicker option and why.

What is Anodizing Aluminum?

Anodizing is a way to protect aluminum products, like CNC machined parts, cookware, industrial parts, etc., from corrosion, wear, and other deterioration. It makes aluminum parts stronger and lasts longer by resisting scratches and external damage. 

By using an aluminum anodizing kit, you can add a layer of aluminum oxide to a piece of aluminum. The process involves submerging the piece into an electrolyte solution. An electric current helps the oxygen in the solution react with the aluminum. This grows a protective aluminum oxide coating on the surface. 

The coating becomes part of the metal, so it won’t peel off or chip away like paint. The thickness of the oxide layer depends on the type of anodizing you choose. The process has been used since the 1920s to protect aluminum car and plane parts from corrosion. Now the process is used in plenty of industrial, commercial, and consumer products. 

Anodizing works on other metals besides aluminum. But aluminum is very common because it’s lightweight and strong. Anodizing gives aluminum an extra layer of strength, so it will last much longer even in tough conditions. So, whether you need aluminum parts to stay looking nice or withstand ocean water, anodizing is a great way to protect them.

Anodize Aluminum Black vs Gold: Which One Takes Longer Time

Anodizing aluminum makes it look cool and last longer. There are plenty of dying options available, but black and gold are among the more popular shades. 

In comparing anodize aluminum black vs gold, which color takes more time to make? Let’s find out. We’ll break down the steps and see what makes one faster than the other.

Anodize Aluminum Black

Anodized aluminum black is processed to turn the surface of aluminum into a hardened, blackened finish.

To dye an aluminum piece black, you have to follow the standard anodizing process. The piece turns gray in color after the electrolyte bath. This color is the result of a porous aluminum oxide coating. 

To achieve the black hue, you need to dye the pores in the oxide with a black dye. This dye gets absorbed into all the tiny spaces. The final step is sealing the pores to trap the dye underneath. This sealing makes the black finish highly durable and resistant to wear.

The end result is a black anodized aluminum with several benefits:

• It is very tough and long-lasting due to the protected oxide layer.
• It has a sleek, modern aesthetic appeal.
• The black surface is great at absorbing and radiating heat.
• It also absorbs light for applications needing low reflectivity.

Black anodized aluminum has wide use across different industries. For example, in the automotive world it is used for trim pieces that need high corrosion protection. In electronics, its light absorbing and heat dissipating properties make it suitable for components like laptops and phones. Other areas employing black anodized aluminum include aerospace, architecture, and consumer goods manufacturing.

Anodize Aluminum Gold

In this process, the anodized product is dyed with a beautiful golden color. Just like black color dying, you have to dye a piece with gold color after giving it the electrolyte bath. The dye gets absorbed deep inside the tiny pores of the oxide layer. The longer it soaks, the darker the gold color will be.

After that, the pores are sealed shut to trap the dye inside and make the color highly scratch and weather resistant. Some ways to seal it include soaking in hot water or another special solution.

There are a few ways to get the exact shade of gold you want:

• Concentration of dye: More dye makes the gold darker.
• Type of dye used: Different dyes make slightly different gold tones.
• Factors like temperature and electricity levels impact the final hue.

Anodized aluminum gold has many great benefits. The protective oxide layer means it won’t rust, chip, or fade over time. It also looks very luxurious and elegant. Best of all, the anodizing process is better for the environment than other metal finishes. 

You’ll often see gold aluminum used in architecture, automotive, electronics, and consumer goods for its aesthetic appeal and protective properties.

The Dying Time of Anodize Aluminum Black vs Gold

The time it takes to anodize aluminum black vs gold depends on a few different things. The thickness you want, how you color it, and how you seal it all play a role in the time.

If you want a basic black or gold color, it usually takes about an hour. The anodizing itself takes around five minutes per 2.5 microns thick. So, for the minimum recommended black thickness of 25 microns, plan for an hour of anodizing time.

Then you have to dye it, which can last up to 20 minutes. Sometimes the cleaning and rinsing before and after takes even longer. So, a basic black or gold job will likely be at least an hour and a half total.

Both black and gold anodizing generally follow the same basic steps, like cleaning the parts, anodizing, adding dye, and sealing the finish. The time it takes isn’t really different based on the color. 

Some other factors that play a bigger role are:

• How big or complex the shape is
• How thick you want the anodized layer
• The specific anodizing process used
• How many pieces are done at once

Whether you go for stereotypical black or shiny gold, the time it takes is more about the process itself than the color choice. Just remember that most basic black or gold anodizing projects take around an hour or two total.

Conclusion

Whether you want a sleek black or a shiny gold look, the time it takes to anodize aluminum mostly depends on how thick you want the coating and the size or complexity of the pieces. Both black and gold anodizing take about the same amount of time. So, pick the color you love and enjoy the long-lasting beauty and protection of your anodized aluminum.

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