[TheForge] finishing aluminum

[gladish]

Thanks Reis-
I thought that steel wool might leave little micro-rusties in the finish, so
I didn't use it- ok on aluminum?
There is a 'coater in Burlington- did ok for me.
Part of the job is covered by plexiglas and at ground level on the least
visited side of the house, so not too worrisome, but the other is a hand
rail on the back stairs.
Thanks for the tips
Andy G.

> Andy- Is this for interior use, or exterior?
>
> Outside, aluminum will oxidize, getting a whitish powdery finish
> if you dont
> coat it in some way. No matter what finish you start out with, after a few
> months it will be grayish.
>
> Commecially they usually clear anodize aluminum, after they get it looking
> good first.. But the closest anodizer is at least everett, probably south
> seattle. Havent had any anodizing done in many years, so I am not up to
> speed.
> One great thing about aluminum is that it is SOFT- so unless you have
> already coarsened up the finish, you can clean it up with steel wool quite
> nicely. This will take off the blue writing they put on it at the
> mill, and
> take minor scratches out. Then I usually hit it with a quick clear coat of
> spray paint- krylon if it is going indoors, rustoleum for outside. This is
> not as good as say- clear powdercoat- (there are now two powdercoaters in
> Bellingham, one in Arlington, and several in Everett)
> Or real clear coating like catalysed polyurethane, or clear anodizing.
> But it will work, and it is quick and cheap.
> Ries
>
> _______________________________________________
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
> theforge mail list group photo site is
> http://www.photoaccess.com
> Login:  blacksmithblacksmith@hotmail.com
> password:  anvil
> ___________
>
>