Ken,
I think that the simple answer is no. Anodized aluminum is capable of many
different
colors because the process of anodizing aluminum leaves a thin layer of some
kind of oxide
of aluminum (I seem to recall) as the outer layer. This outer layer is
relatively hard,
relatively impervious to further oxidation/corrosion, and is initially porous.
It is this
last property which allows all of those colors. The anodized parts are dipped
in dye and
then in boiling water. The hot water seals the pores (I don't know how),
sealing in the
dye.
Steel is different. It can be plated with copper, gold, silver, nickel,
chromimum,
cadmium, zinc (and probably lots of other metals as well). Plating at home is
challenging
to impossible (depending on the metal). Steel can also have a surface
conversion process
applied (somewhat like anodizing aluminum). The processess that can be
performed at home
can impart a dark finish. Gunsmithing "bluing" is one such process but I am
told that you
should not expect the cold process perfromed at home to have the same results
as factory
performed bluing.
The ease with which the transluscent blue came off suggests that it is more of
a surface
film applied on top of the steel, rather than a true conversion finish.
There is a machinists layout fluid commonly referred to as Dykem Blue. You
might want to
consider using this. It too will readily wear off though.
-Roger
Gano, Ken wrote:
>
> I would like to duplicate, only with a more permanent finish, the blue
> translucent finish, some graded bolts have. Apparently, the bolt
> manufactures use some sort of dye, but any handling and it comes right off.
> I took one this evening and put it to a buffing wheel and the result looks
> like regular polished steel.
>
> Is there some way to finish metal (steel) so that it looks like chrome, only
> with a color? What I'm thinking of, is something like anodized aluminum.
>
> TIA
>
> kengano@advant.com
> downstate illinois
> 1959 TR3A TS57756L
> 1958 Model 10 Sedan TBE9239LDLB
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