CNC Mill - Engraving/Staining help

[studysession]

Hi - I have a CNC Mill. Not very big, it is hobby size if there is such a thing. Anyhoo - I am engraving using a mix of programs to make my designs.

Once it is engraved into a sheet of aluminum how can I make the engraved letters and pictures different color than the rest of the aluminum?

Many thanks in advance!

[HuFlungDung]

You could get the sheet stock anodized and dyed before you engrave it? Or bond some other kind of surface material to it, and machine right through it.

You could also get the part anodized (all over) and then send it through a sander to remove the top layer, leaving the letters colored.

[cadcam]

or engrave and fill with pait and wipe excess of the top.

[studysession]

Thanks for the replies - What kind of paint would I use? Want something that will stay for long time and if someone washed what I gave them, I do not want the paint to come off.

[DareBee]

I believe aluminum is normally painted with polyurethane. Most paint shops should carry it or home depot.

[studysession]

We do not have Home Depot in the UK. Will find a place here that carries that kind of paint and give it a try though. Thanks!!!

[Aksess]

You can use zink cromate primer, then use any type of paint you wish. The zink primer is all i know that will stick to aluminum

[studysession]

Never even heard of it. Thanks for the replies though!

[DareBee]

Originally Posted by studysession We do not have Home Depot in the UK. Will find a place here that carries that kind of paint and give it a try though. Thanks!!!

I was going to say Canadian Tire lol

[studysession]

Is that a DIY or auto store?

[cadcam]

most likely both types will carry some typ of enamal paint.

[DareBee]

Canadian Tire is a great Canadian franchise (obviously)

http://www.canadiantire.ca/intro/hom...=1100627067980