dulling really shiny aluminum.

I've got some flat surfaces on a boat I'm working on and the new aluminum is really shinny. It produces glare when I'm running. Is there a faster way to age the aluminum? I'm a big fan of just letting it sit and naturally age but this one part is really shiny.

Unique problem you got there. I have seen people use 1 part latex paint (flat white) and 3 parts water to dull glass surfaces
Tim

Wire brush on a drill

Orbital sander

Vinegar might work

[strike]Muriatic[/strike] phosphoric acid solution like [strike]Mary Kate on/off hull cleaner[/strike](careful this could do damage if done improperly)

Clear satin spray paint.

I sanded a couple of pcs with 100 grit paper in a palm sander. I like the finish...it definitely dulls it though it does add some texture to the look vs just a piece of dull aluminum that the shiny has become flat over time. I would say it made it look like a cast piece. I would suggest you buy a smaller pc of aluminum and try a couple of techniques to see what you like best. Post some pics.

scotchbrite pad. steel wool. paint it.

wash metal with soap and water, degreaser, to get it clean.
water based treatments will not work on an oily surface.

vinegar, or media blast with fine silica.

lovedr79 said:

scotchbrite pad. steel wool. paint it.

Click to expand...

2nd. An sos pad with the soap washed out works wonders.

Insanity said:

lovedr79 said:

scotchbrite pad. steel wool. paint it.

Click to expand...

2nd. An sos pad with the soap washed out works wonders.

Click to expand...

That is called steel wool

Barefoot Johnny is exactly right. Use ospho/phosphoric acid to etch the aluminum. This will take the surface from a bright shine to a dull aluminum finish. Do NOT use muriatic acid, as it is extremely corrosive, and it's an oxidizer. The phosphoric acid converts oxides to phosphates, it does not oxidize the material.

Captain Ahab said:

Insanity said:

lovedr79 said:

scotchbrite pad. steel wool. paint it.

Click to expand...

2nd. An sos pad with the soap washed out works wonders.

Click to expand...

That is called steel wool

Click to expand...

Thats why I typed 2nd. Just pointing out something he most likely already had under the kitchen sink.

PSG-1 said:

Barefoot Johnny is exactly right. Use ospho/phosphoric acid to etch the aluminum. This will take the surface from a bright shine to a dull aluminum finish. Do NOT use muriatic acid, as it is extremely corrosive, and it's an oxidizer. The phosphoric acid converts oxides to phosphates, it does not oxidize the material.

Click to expand...

Thanks for clarifying, I figured my science and wording were a little off lol

If you've got a compressor, you can use a short piece of hose and a blower attachment and make a home made sand blaster. Use that and some baking soda as your media to blast the area you want dulled. Soda is so fine it won't leave a rough texture the metal but it will remove the shine.