Finishing aluminum
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From: Port Tobacco, MD
Finishing aluminum Looking for some options for finishing aluminum. I've got a couple parts we've welded and need to finish. I've seen a couple guys strip the aluminum with easy off oven cleaner and polish them but I hate keeping up with polished parts. Any other good solutions for finishing aluminum parts besides anodizing?
Phil
Phil
Sometimes I'll sandblast, wash and spray aluminum parts with clear enamel. It gives a factory-sand cast appearance. You could do other finishes, like Scotchbrite, etc. The enamel (from a spray can) seems to hold up on sand blasted parts, I've never tried it with other finishes.
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Paint does not stick to aluminum very well without proper surface prep . A clear powder coat is durable and can handle the higher temps . I've used Glisten PC with great success following appropiate surface prep . Glisten is made by the same manufacturer as POR 15 and very durable . I've never exposed it to temps above 150 F but it handles it and looks great . Although more expensive , hard anodizing is the **** when it comes to aluminum and can handle nearly as much as the parent metal . Of course there's always standard anodizing .
Engine turning... use a rotary sander with some 180 or 220 grit, pick it up and over lap it. it should stay nice for a good while, but if you clear powdercoat it, it will last damn near forever. you can also use some bulldog adhesion promoter and shoot clear directly over it for a slick finish.
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
we paint cast pieces at work. we do a low pressure glass bead in a cabinet then paint, or do a cleaner called alkanox(or something) like a detergent then paint. never had a problem with it sticking....buts its cast aluminum.
