madbeanpedals::forum

Projects => General Questions => Topic started by: Bio77 on August 09, 2018, 08:52:47 PM

Title: Polished Aluminum Enclosure Finishing
Post by: Bio77 on August 09, 2018, 08:52:47 PM
Hi All,

I just received in the mail today a polished aluminum enclosure from Small Bear.  I wasn't expecting it to look so nice!  It looks like a mirror. 

I plan on applying a clear waterslide decal for the graphics.  I normally finish my enclosures with a few coats of water based Polycrylic (Minwax), but I'm worried it will dull the finish.  Does anyone have advice?
Title: Re: Polished Aluminum Enclosure Finishing
Post by: stringsthings on August 10, 2018, 03:49:43 AM
If the bottom is polished, you could use it for testing purposes.
Title: Re: Polished Aluminum Enclosure Finishing
Post by: Bio77 on August 10, 2018, 10:39:24 AM
Thanks, good idea.
Title: Re: Polished Aluminum Enclosure Finishing
Post by: gordo on August 10, 2018, 04:52:10 PM
That was my concern when I got one was applying a decal and clear coat without buggering up the cool finish.  I never figured it out and used it for a simple build with no artwork.  Would be perfect for a laser etch but ironically the laser would have a bitch of a time because of the reflection.  A CNC/mill would be a cool option but all of the above are stupid expensive...