Paint or dye?

[Kram]

Would like to know what is used on steel tins and cans. Its quite hard wearing considering its very thin and often can see the metal finish underneath - usually brushed... like a beer can or mint tin. Im guessing its printed/dye'd and then lacquered to make it last?

Id like the result to be a bit like this (which is just red marker on aluminuim) but much harder wearing.

 

[balmerchris]

Aren't tin cans anodised?

 

[Wendelspanswick]

Your best bet is coloured anodising.
http://www.chronos.ltd.uk/acatalog/Anodising_Kits.html

 

[Kram]

Steel cans are not.. and doesnt work with pattern only solid colour? Anodising looks good but not easy or cheap to do well.

Something like this.. its thin enough to see the brushed texture underneath.. what type of paint?

 

[Wendelspanswick]

I used to use candy colour powder coats that were translucent.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

http://www.mss-magiccoatings.co.uk/candy-pearls-chrome-flourescent.php
or
http://ctc-powder-coating.co.uk/special-effects-candy-colours/

 

[Wendelspanswick]

I have a small amount of candy red if you want to try some out, heat a washer in the oven, dip it in the powder and then return to the oven to flow out, about 160 C.