DIY anodizing

[simplechamp]

I was reading Harold's thread about painting/powdercoating aluminum because I also have an aluminum part I would like to change the color of. Afterward I started to do some reading about DIY anodizing. Does anyone here have any experience with this? From what I have been able to gather the process is not terribly complex. The main issue is that you are dealing with sulfuric (battery) acid, and a few other chemicals which can obviously pose a safety hazard.

I am thinking of trying this out myself (of course, only after doing more thorough research on the process and safety procedures involved). I don't like the idea of dealing with the acid, but the part (motor mount) is relatively small, so it's not like I would be dealing with a huge vat filled with gallons of acid.

Here are the two articles I have read so far. Seems DIY anodizing is very common for paintball hobbyists.

http://www.warpig.com/paintball/technical/anodize.shtml

http://www.bryanpryor.com/anodizing.php

EDIT: If anyone else decides to look into actually doing this please be sure you ABSOLUTELY know what you are doing before attempting. I plan to do A LOT of research before I even consider trying this, and even then I may decide not to do it. I only mean for this thread to be for discussion and education about the process.