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Aluminum Options

jaymanaa

jaymanaa

RIP 1961-2018
I thought I'd get some ideas here about what to do with Aluminum parts like motor run caps etc..... I searched around some and found out how to plate, and anodize at home, I just don't know what to think about all this stuff. On the motor caps, I learned you can get a nice finish with a green scotchbrite pad (thanks Nate), but what if I want a finish other than silver. Copper plating is out unless I nickel plate first. Anodizing seems easy enough, anyone ever do it? Then there's powder coating, but I'm not sure how well that does with aluminum. There's always paint too I guess.:scratch2:
 
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I think I'll check out some powder coat colors then.

BTW, I know some of us are using these huge caps with mounting studs on top, which kinda sucks. I experimented with one today and found you can cut that stud off and file, then sand it smooth. Just thought it was worth mentioning.
 

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I'd be concerned about the baking temp needed to powder coat, not sure a cap would like that.
 
Jeffery said:
I'd be concerned about the baking temp needed to powder coat, not sure a cap would like that.
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Oh crap, I bet you're right. It's a big film rated at 70C. Maybe I need to talk to my chrome guy about copper plating them. That way i would know it's done right. I don't think there are any extreme temps involved there. Hmm, still brainstorming here if anyone has anything. Thanks a heap.
 
Member tomlinmgt is a professional powder coater, you might shoot him a PM about temps.
 
if painting you will need a good etching primer first or the paint will peel off .. if you was to paint without etch primer you could rub the surface down and wash with hot water then as soon as dry primer with a zinc primer before painting ..it will stay on for many years ..or it should do ..
 
jaymanaa said:
Oh crap, I bet you're right. It's a big film rated at 70C. Maybe I need to talk to my chrome guy about copper plating them. That way i would know it's done right. I don't think there are any extreme temps involved there. Hmm, still brainstorming here if anyone has anything. Thanks a heap.
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There are low-temp powders for coating, in the range of 200-250F, but most of the time it's 300-400F. Even with aluminum wheels, I've heard some concerns about the heat altering the temper of the part.

I'd probably take it to a body shop that's used to doing custom work. There are some really interesting colors available from people like House of Kolors.
 
I'm going to try and NOT get distracted attempting to powder coat a hunk of aluminum with old toner from a laser cartridge today.....thermal set plastic, low temp.....for sure on Monday I will. I'll let you know how it looks and if it is durable.
Dan
 
How about leafing, like gold, copper or silver leaf? I've done a bit of that on some non audio projects.
 
Dukiedook said:
Yeah, forgot about the curing temps Jay, sorry about that.
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No worries, that's what's great about a big group like we have. The last "new style" motor run I dissected for inspection was wax potted instead of oil filled. Not sure what is in these, but I hate to cut one open if I don't have to.

One of my Brothers was a professional sign, motorcycle, and hot rod paint artist and he used gold leaf quite a bit. It seemed very fragile when he was working with it, but the Arch Diocese in KC has it covering the roof of their main sanctuary so it must be pretty tough once in place. I didn't know you could get it in copper. I'll do some checking. thanks
 
Leaf isn't durable on its own, it's the clear coat applied after that is durable. Also, the problem with anodizing and plating is the fact that the items would need to be submerged in the liquid for some time. Comfortable with that? I'd be looking at finishes applied to the surface without heat or submersion like paint or leaf. Personally, if I wanted it fancy, I'd be going with a nice candy paint job.
 
I used to restore old Hot Wheels using Tamiya clear colors from the hobby shop. I used an air brush, but I think you can get them in cans ? I would strip them down, polish them bright, spray and it gave back the original candy look. You can mix colors and get all kinds of cool finishes.

Like this.

Beatnik_Bandit_ltbluL.JPG
 
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Don't you boys have better things to do with your time?

Seriously, Jay! Why don't you do something more useful like Simonize your wheel-wells!
 
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