Aluminum Enclosure Sanding

esauvisky · Post by **esauvisky** » 01 Mar 2013, 19:41

Hi guys. I'm starting to etch aluminum enclosures and I've seen, after extensive research, that it's a must to perfectly sand the face that will be etched.
So I've run into a few problems/questions, and as I didn't found answers elsewhere I've came here to ask you veterans. =)

1- How do you achieve a perfectly flat surface? Do you use sanding blocks, orbital sanders, etc.? How long does it takes?
2- Is wetsanding better than drysanding for aluminum enclosures? Why?
3- How do you get a reflective finish like this one below?

Any other recommendations will be very much appreciated. Thanks!

jtn191 · Post by **jtn191** » 02 Mar 2013, 09:04

frequencycentral · Post by **frequencycentral** » 02 Mar 2013, 09:49

I use one of these: http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-ho ... rod886579/

benobo · Post by **benobo** » 02 Mar 2013, 10:23

3- How do you get a reflective finish like this one below?

http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_4491972_polis ... inish.html

benobo · Post by **benobo** » 02 Mar 2013, 10:24

https://www.freestompboxes.org/viewtopic ... 47&t=17449

Ice-9 · Post by **Ice-9** » 26 Aug 2013, 19:42

benobo wrote:3- How do you get a reflective finish like this one below?

http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_4491972_polis ... inish.html

Looks good, but I can tell you it wont stay like that long unless it is clear coated afterwards. (it is on a motorcycle and open to the elements) and a guitar pedal will oxidize but slower.

Pettol · Post by **Pettol** » 09 Mar 2014, 11:07

Old thread but since I made the example above I wanted to answer.
It's hand sanded, 320, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1500 grit and then polished with Autosol. It's crucial to change sanding direction when going to the next grit. In that way you will see when you're done (no scratches in the previous direction).