"Andy Evans" wrote in message
ups.com...
Like may people I use aluminium in equipment cases - in my case for top
plates for valve preamps and amps. I use 4mm alu, which Fays Metals in
Acton London supply and cut to size. It's not great looking in its raw
state, but all my DIY attempts with solvent cleaners, wet and dry paper
etc are even worse. How do they get that 'brushed aluminium' effect?
Has anybody come across a successful method of finishing surfaces of
alu? I'd need details - grade of sandpaper, type of tool used - orbital
sander, belt sander, hand finishing etc. It would be a real help to fix
this situation without having to resort to anodising. On the other
hand, maybe anodising is the way out. Any views and experiences? Andy



Andy, you're getting some very enterprising suggestions but I reckon the
answers in the question - for me, nice bright colours are the new black.

Whiz down to Halfords and grab a can of suitable spray enamel. A little bit
of a rub-over with some wet & dry for a key, waft it over with the spray can
and it'll be touch-dry in summat like 10 minutes!!.

Personally, I have a penchant for the pastel shades of 70's Group 2
sanitaryware colours (pale pink/yellow/blue and cream &c) and would have my
Harley/XK120/Valve Amplifier thusly sprayed, but if you want summat a bit
more striking go to South Beach, Miami for your colour 'inspiration'.

http://www.miamibeach411.com/photo-g...-tower/001.jpg

http://www.geraldbrimacombe.com/East...night%20LR.jpg

??

:-)