> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.purduesigbots.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.purduesigbots.com/hardware/robot-decorations/metal-coloring.md). # Metal Coloring ### Painting Painting of VEX metal is legal and is a relatively quick way to add some color to a robot. All that is needed is a safe (Well Ventilated) area and a can of spray paint ([Rust-Oleum Enamel](https://amzn.to/3TbVPQM) is well tested). Some helpful notes * [Quick spray-painting tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNKzOm7DS_k) * Apply several light coats with time to dry between. Use at minimum 3 coats while avoiding heavy coats that would fill holes in metal or distort dimensions. * Use high quality, trusted spray paint designed for metal. The paint will chip as a result of use and match play. It is better to put in effort up front to assure the metal lasts longer. * A final clear coat is recommended ### Anodizing Anodizing metal is not an easy or cheap process but does lead to a better result than painting which is why it is chosen by some teams. Most schools do not have the ability to anodize in house so some commonly used vendors have been compiled. * [Southern California](https://www.thomasnet.com/southern-california/aluminum-anodizing-1790203-1.html) * [Eastern PA, NJ, NY, DE](http://www.hillockanodizing.com/4.html#) * [US wide shipping](http://electro-polish.com/processes/aluminum-anodizing/) * [More options](https://www.aluminumanodizing.com/aluminum-anodizing-manufacturers-suppliers-and-distributors/) (not documented by past teams) ### Teams Contributed to this Article: * [BLRS](https://purduesigbots.com/) (Purdue SIGBots) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://wiki.purduesigbots.com/hardware/robot-decorations/metal-coloring.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.