Anodized Aluminum
Available in: Pink, Red, Orange, Yellow, Gold, Green, Turquoise, Blue, Dark Purple, Violet, Black, and Bronze.
The lightweight benefits of bright aluminum, but more
colorful! Aluminum rings are soaked in acid while an electrical current
is run through them to open up the pores, allowing dye to soak in and
create extremely bright and vivid colors. Note: not all colors are available for all items. The
coating is fairly hard but can be scratched. Clean with mild dish soap
(blue Dawn recommended) and warm water.
Stainless Steel
Steel is by far the most common metal used to make
chainmaille. It comes in many forms, including mild, galvanized, and
stainless. I mainly work with stainless steel. Stainless steel has a deep,
medium to dark grey color. It can be used for jewelry, although you
don’t see it as often as sterling or gold. It weighs a bit less, is
quite strong, far less expensive, and does not tarnish or oxidize,
although it will rust under some extreme conditions. Even surgical grade
stainless steel sometimes contains nickel, so it may cause problems for
people with nickel allergies. It is also harder to work with than some
other metals, so the cost can be a little higher. Clean with mild dish
soap (blue Dawn recommended) and warm water.
Rubber
Comes in various sizes and colors and allows for some pieces
to be made seamlessly, without a clasp. Lightweight, so when combined
with aluminum or titanium makes great costume pieces and club wear.
Since the rings are solid, they are almost always used in combination
with metal rings. I use EPDM rubber o-rings. They have excellent
resistance to water, steam, alcohol, ozone, and sunlight. Avoid
petroleum oils, gasoline, and similar items. They handle temperature
ranges from –67° to 302°F. Clean with mild dish soap (blue Dawn
recommended) and warm water.