Common ways to etch or stain different metals

Factual Questions
1

I am looking to etch and or stain different types of metal. Mostly I work with aluminum, stainless steel and maybe a piece of titanium from time to time.

I am not looking do do any carving, I am looking for chemical options.

Thanks in advance,
Osip

2

I saw this page the other day, it goes on about etching on an Altoids box and in other pages on brass. Gives a lot of detail. I have no experience in metal working, so I have no idea if this helps you or not. I just wanted to put this up because of the steampunk keyboard!

3

The most common, and I would assume one of the best methods of treating aluminum is anodization. This is probably what you’re looking for.

http://www.focuser.com/atm/anodize/anodize99.html
http://www.docsmachine.com/tech/anod.html

I’m not a materials engineer or even a machinist though, so I can’t give you a run down on the pros and cons of different processes.

4

Thanks Sleel,
gonna get the printer working and do some reading. I have heard of some sort of chemical reaction with Titanium causing a permenant stain. (something common) maybe soda. shrug