Does anyone know how a satin finish is achieved on aluminum panels. Is it done chemically ( which one ) or by sand / glass bead blasting ?
I've seen very variable results with blasting methods.
A question on brush finishing.How do we get particles generated by the process from getting back on to the metal sheet and digging into the surface .
Thanks.
I've seen very variable results with blasting methods.
A question on brush finishing.How do we get particles generated by the process from getting back on to the metal sheet and digging into the surface .
Thanks.
Glass bead blasting with relatively low pressure gives semi-shiny satin finish. Too high air pressure on blasting results rough surface, more like sandblast-look.ashok said:
I haven't ever tried, but this is a link i have saved for a loong time, if i should ever get the urge 😀
DIY "anodizing"
Have a nice day
DIY "anodizing"
Have a nice day
Thanks for all the replies.
I did forget about the steel wool and Scotch pad methods.
It's troublesome trying to clear off small surface defects first. I guess the sheet will have to be milled to take away a significant layer to get a perfect surface to work on.
I've never tried anodising at home. Might be a good idea to experiment with that. Easy to get all the chemicals over here.
I read about using vegetable dye's . Don't they fade with time in sunlight ? Even indirect sunlight ?
Has anyone seen the Metal Plating Bible found here http://www.metalplatingbible.com/
Is it a comprehensive ,detailed , practical book ?
Cheers.
I did forget about the steel wool and Scotch pad methods.
It's troublesome trying to clear off small surface defects first. I guess the sheet will have to be milled to take away a significant layer to get a perfect surface to work on.
I've never tried anodising at home. Might be a good idea to experiment with that. Easy to get all the chemicals over here.
I read about using vegetable dye's . Don't they fade with time in sunlight ? Even indirect sunlight ?
Has anyone seen the Metal Plating Bible found here http://www.metalplatingbible.com/
Is it a comprehensive ,detailed , practical book ?
Cheers.
Sanding is what I use. If you want a brushed look, use 60-100 grit sandpaper in a belt sander. If you don't have a belt sander, use a sanding block and only use linear back and forth motion. This will get rid of all but the deepest gouges in aluminum. It sounded way to harsh when I first heard of it but I've used it many times with uniformly good results. For a satin finish, go to finer grit; 230-320 or even higher grit.
I've looked at anodizing and may still eventually try it. The thing that holds me back is the thought of having a pretty large vat of sulphuric acid (diluted, but still 50% strength) sitting in my basement. I would certainly think much harder if there were kids in the house.
Denis
I've looked at anodizing and may still eventually try it. The thing that holds me back is the thought of having a pretty large vat of sulphuric acid (diluted, but still 50% strength) sitting in my basement. I would certainly think much harder if there were kids in the house.
Denis
Belt sanding may be too aggressive and wear down the corners. I recommend progressively using fine sand paper, then Scotch Brite, purple then green (or just worn purple). With some practice laying the Scotch Brite down on a flat surface and evenly dragging the aluminum face completely across it in one direction, a very nice satin finish can be had. And using only Scotch Brite has the advantage that mistakes are easily polished out, so practice away.
Search for ALODINE.
http://wilsonb.wheelsup.org/alodine_parts.htm
I use eccentric sander and fine sandpaper for finishing aluminum.
Anodizing isn't expensive and it creates a very robust surfase.
http://wilsonb.wheelsup.org/alodine_parts.htm
I use eccentric sander and fine sandpaper for finishing aluminum.
Anodizing isn't expensive and it creates a very robust surfase.
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