brushed aluminum finish, how to?

[Magura]

whats the difference between anodizing and alodine???

Magura

[Jocko Homo]

Anodizing is an electrochemical process that changes the chemistry of the aluminum, in such as way as to make a very hard surface. It creates an oxide layer that is pretty tough.

IOW......scratch resistant, etc.

Alodine is a simpler operation that just puts a nice finish on aluminum, but can easily be scratched.

Alodine is basically a dip. Anodising requires electrolysis.

Typical application:

Front panel: anodise. It has to be able to withstand handling and abuse.

Metal parts inside unit: alodine. Shiny enough, but will not withstand scratches. Mostly to prevent oxidation of the surface.

Jocko

[Peter Daniel]

The difference between anodizing and alodine could be compared to treating wood with hard lacquer or using sealer.

Alodine has effect of the sealer. It penetrates surface of aluminum, but does not create any protective surface like anodizing. That's why it is not a protection against scratches at all.

What I find appealing though is the simplicity of applying. Just dipping for few seconds is enough, and to me, it sometimes creates nicer finish than anodizing.

I usually brush it off a bit with scotch brite pads, after applying, and this removes any goldish shine. The aluminum looks more like stainless steel and is completely resistant to stains when handling. As long as you take enough care not to scratch it, it is a cheaper alternative to anodizing.

This panel was treated with alodine:

[Pbassred]

Paint

[gmphadte]

take a bigger plate (bigger than required) do the finishing/brushing first and then cut it to size. this will get rid of the problems at the edges. Needless to say; cutting job should be perfect.