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Thread: Finishing (spray paint) aluminum projector cases?

  1. #1
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    Default Finishing (spray paint) aluminum projector cases?

    I'm seriously considering building a custom case for my projector using aluminum sheet and plates. Does anyone have any recommendations on the proper materials & preparations for finishing bare aluminum? I would rather use spray paint products rather than paying the additional costs of an anodized finish.

    Thanks!
    RR

    Metrologic HeNe 3.3mw Modulated laser, 2 Radio Shack motors, and a broken mirror.
    1979.
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  2. #2
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    Make sure you clean it well to get any fingerprint oil and dirt off. It would be a good idea to scuff it up with some finepaper also. Use primer first.

  3. #3
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    Concerning primer -

    is the basic home-improvement store metal spray primer sufficient, or should I be looking for something specifically for aluminum?
    RR

    Metrologic HeNe 3.3mw Modulated laser, 2 Radio Shack motors, and a broken mirror.
    1979.
    Sweet.....

  4. #4
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    I have used rustoleum primer on aluminum with no problems. Check the can to make sure.

  5. #5
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    Sounds easy enough - thanks!
    RR

    Metrologic HeNe 3.3mw Modulated laser, 2 Radio Shack motors, and a broken mirror.
    1979.
    Sweet.....

  6. #6
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    For a 'brushed metal' look, you can sand in one direction on all the sides, wipe it off with a clean cloth, and seal with 'rust-oleum crytal clear enamel'



  7. #7
    mixedgas's Avatar
    mixedgas is offline Creaky Old Award Winning Bastard Technologist
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    if you can get sodium hydroxide (lye) it etches aluminum fast,if dissolved in water. It makes a nice way to prep a surface, pepsi will probably do it too!
    My favorite machinest here at work takes a soft towel and loads it with
    comet or Ajax , or other abrasive scouring powder, just dampens it to a paste and does a hand rubbed grey finish that looks great and seals the pores in the AL prior to painting, said they taught him that in journeyman's school.

    Steve

  8. #8
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    I have only ever painted aluminium in the context of car panels - and this is preped by flatting with wet & dry to the finish you want - to key and clean - then degrease with a proprietary product - auto paint store will supply this - beware some of it smells like cats piss. Then prime with a phosphoric acid based etch primer - this does not smell like cats piss but will rot you from inside out so air fed or carbon canister mask essential. On top of that regular primer that you can then rub down if you wish and top coat.
    may be a little over the top for housing

    Steve I like the idea of the ajax on a cloth I have used toothpaste with a little water in a similar role for small fine finishing. Rinses off with a little warm water too - and leave the parts with fresh smell

    rob
    If you need to ask the question 'whats so good about a laser' - you won't understand the answer.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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  9. #9
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    You know I use a flat black "textured" spray paint from Krylon, about 7-9$, but it leaves almost a "powered coated" feel. And it is great for diffraction of stray beams. I also rough up the aluminum with steel wool, and then put a base primer on it.

    Here are some before, and after results:

    http://www.mycoolspot.com/lpics4/before1.jpg
    http://www.mycoolspot.com/lpics4/before2.jpg
    http://www.mycoolspot.com/lpics4/after1.jpg
    http://www.mycoolspot.com/lpics4/after2.jpg

  10. #10
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    Thats a nice piece of kit....with a nice finish

    how about telling us whats in it....

    Rob

    PS i love the reminder note on the side of the argon head 'turn off scanners'
    If you need to ask the question 'whats so good about a laser' - you won't understand the answer.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Laserists do it by the nanometre.

    Stanwax Laser is a Corporate Member of Ilda

    Stanwax Laser main distributor of First Contact in UK - like us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/FirstContactPolymerCleaner
    www.photoniccleaning.co.uk

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