6061 aluminum finish ??

[tikka308]

Check out my thread here: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56994 it also has a link to my blog where I'm working on teaching/experimenting myself with 6061 finishes and will continue to post updates as I play with different solutions!

[Red Frog]

Polish the piece with methyl ethyl ketone. Toxic but removes any oxidation.

[tikka308]

Update - I swung by a local Jewelry Supply store (Metalliferous in Manhattan on W 46th St - www.metalliferous.com - highly recommended) and purchased some 1200 and 2000 grit sandpaper. I also purchased 400 and 600 grit sandpaper along with MAAS polishing creme at HomeDepot. Fully details - including a tutorial video of the process - are available here: http://www.nyccnc.com/Herbie/HERBIES...uminum!!!.html

Bottom line: I have achieved a great looking mirror finish on aluminum!

YouTube - Mirror Finish on Milled Aluminum!

YouTube - Mirror Finish on Milled Aluminum!

[twocik]

Hi Tikka,
I've done the same exact method in my picture posted two days ago (400, 600, 800, 2000, then the mag polish). My problem is after I sanded, polished and so forth, the part still scratches like cheap glass.

I've read that when anodizing there is some chemical _________ ? that leaves a scratch resistance surface, almost like a clear coat of some sort.


Do you have any videos on how to DIY anodizing ???

Parts List ??


This would be a great video to put up, going thru every detail on that. I would have already tried this, but I'm just afraid I'll burn or electrocute myself.


Nice job on the video btw very detailed, I just wish I would have found this 4 days ago.

Thanks
Chris

[tikka308]

Twocik - I hear you. I'm trying to achieve the same thing you are - which is a clear, protective finish over my parts. I just purchased Rustoleum's Aluminum glossy metalic finish , which is an enamel spray (http://painting123.com/ProductInfo.asp?p2=I2 product #446637). I tried it with high hopes, but it has two flaws: 1) It foggs up the mirror finish (not completely, but enough that it bothers me) and 2) it doesn't REALLY protect it! A very very light touch fromi a piece of metal scratches the coat. Now, scratching this is better than scratching the polished aluminum, but it's still not a solution I am content with.

I have never done DIY anodizing but am VERY interested. If I had a "real" workspace (i.e. not my bedroom), I'd be doing it tomorrow. I ultimately think anodizing is the only / best solution, as it truly provides a HARD protective finish...

[tikka308]

Twocik - I just email with a guy at DuraCoat. He said that their product will 1) provide sufficient protection from scratches as a hard-protective layer and 2) not impact the aesthetic of the part. I'm going to order this - http://www.houtsenterprises.net/product119.html - and you can count on me to post the results on my blog www.nyccnc.com

[Baketech]

The best spray on product for bare metal that I have found is Nyalic...YMMV

[twocik]

Let me know how it works out !!!



So no one on the home DIY anodizing ?

Part lists

[destroyer125]

Best Home anodizing tutorial out there.

http://www.focuser.com/atm/anodize/anodize.html

I do anodizing at home, Cant say im small scale anymore thought.

[twocik]

CASWELL PLATING DIY ANODIZING KIT


Seems very cheap and the guy is saying that it's safe.... ? Plus it comes with a instruction DVD !!!!


The things still needed to compelet the kit

- Power supply
- Odds & Ends
- Battery Acid



The only thing that thru me off was the coloring. Mix you own colors, not really sure how that works, but I guess this is explained in the DVD...




Any thoughts on this kit ?

http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/aluminum.htm