Originally Posted by Fugazi Dave
Because I (we?) like the color. Same reasons a frame is painted. If I had the means or could find a local place with reasonable rates, I'd just have all the appropriate aluminum parts anodized black. But, that's not an option so paint it is.
When you're done, you should send it in to the duplicolor website. They have a big section on customer projects.
The idea of anodizing is interesting. I think I may follow this up as a home project
http://www.focuser.com/atm/anodize/anodize.html
http://www.mini-lathe.com/Anodizing/...g_aluminum.htm
I'm not sure if something like this
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/Sto...ALUMINUM+BLACK
requires a previously anodized surface. Looks like it does, though.