Quality Dyes for the Anodizing and Metal Finishing Industries
Frequently Asked Questions
» How much dye should be used in a tank?
» Can more or less dye be used than the recommended concentration?
» What is the best way to store unused dye?
» How long will unused dye last before it expires?
» Can non-deionized water be used for the dye bath?
» How critical is the dye bath pH and/or temperature?
» How should a dyed part be sealed?
» Why won’t certain areas of a part take dye while other areas will?
» Why is the color uneven across or in different areas of the part?
» Why do small white spots appear on finished parts?
» Can more or less dye be used than the recommended concentration?
» What is the best way to store unused dye?
» How long will unused dye last before it expires?
» Can non-deionized water be used for the dye bath?
» How critical is the dye bath pH and/or temperature?
» How should a dyed part be sealed?
» Why won’t certain areas of a part take dye while other areas will?
» Why is the color uneven across or in different areas of the part?
» Why do small white spots appear on finished parts?
How much dye should be used in a tank?
The amount of dye required will vary, depending on the tank size. Our home page has an easy to use calculator for all Bright Dyes® Metal Finishing products, which will calculate the dye required based on either the tank’s dimensions or its capacity.
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The amount of dye required will vary, depending on the tank size. Our home page has an easy to use calculator for all Bright Dyes® Metal Finishing products, which will calculate the dye required based on either the tank’s dimensions or its capacity.
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Can more or less dye be used than the recommended concentration?
Yes, but all dyes have been formulated and the concentrations determined to achieve optimal, consistent coloration.
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Yes, but all dyes have been formulated and the concentrations determined to achieve optimal, consistent coloration.
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What is the best way to store unused dye?
Dye is best kept in a closed container in a cool, dry place.
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Dye is best kept in a closed container in a cool, dry place.
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How long will unused dye last before it expires?
When stored per the recommended method, the dye itself has a virtual indefinite shelf life.
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When stored per the recommended method, the dye itself has a virtual indefinite shelf life.
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Can non-deionized water be used for the dye bath?
Yes it can but deionized water is strongly recommended. Regular tap water can be hard and contain high levels of calcium and chlorine, resulting in white spots after a part is sealed and has dried.
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Yes it can but deionized water is strongly recommended. Regular tap water can be hard and contain high levels of calcium and chlorine, resulting in white spots after a part is sealed and has dried.
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How critical is the dye bath pH and/or temperature?
The recommended ranges may vary by color but are important in achieving consistent results across dyeing runs. The ranges have been determined as a result of laboratory tests to ensure repeatable quality performance.
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The recommended ranges may vary by color but are important in achieving consistent results across dyeing runs. The ranges have been determined as a result of laboratory tests to ensure repeatable quality performance.
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How should a dyed part be sealed?
While boiling deionized water can be used, it is not ideal as dye tends to leach out during the sealing process, resulting in both discolored parts and sealer bath contamination. All dyes are recommended to be sealed with a mid-temp nickel acetate sealer for 10-15 minutes.
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While boiling deionized water can be used, it is not ideal as dye tends to leach out during the sealing process, resulting in both discolored parts and sealer bath contamination. All dyes are recommended to be sealed with a mid-temp nickel acetate sealer for 10-15 minutes.
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Why won’t certain areas of a part take dye while other areas will?
Those areas likely have remaining traces of sulfuric acid from the anodizing bath which is leaching out during the dyeing process. It is recommended the dye bath be changed to prevent future possible contamination.
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Those areas likely have remaining traces of sulfuric acid from the anodizing bath which is leaching out during the dyeing process. It is recommended the dye bath be changed to prevent future possible contamination.
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Why is the color uneven across or in different areas of the part?
The part may not have been cleaned well prior to anodizing. Thoroughly cleaning and rinsing between steps are both critical to achieving a uniform color. Additionally, dye bath agitation is recommended to maintain a consistent bath temperature.
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The part may not have been cleaned well prior to anodizing. Thoroughly cleaning and rinsing between steps are both critical to achieving a uniform color. Additionally, dye bath agitation is recommended to maintain a consistent bath temperature.
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Why do small white spots appear on finished parts?
The dye bath may contain a high level of sulfates that were transferred from the anodizing bath. The dye bath should be changed and parts should be rinsed more thoroughly in between steps.
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The dye bath may contain a high level of sulfates that were transferred from the anodizing bath. The dye bath should be changed and parts should be rinsed more thoroughly in between steps.
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