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Should 6000 Series Aluminum Boat Parts be Blasted vs. Etched?

I have several cabin ports that are made of 6000 series aluminum alloy. They were originally black anodized, but I had that removed in order to produce a more contemporary silver look. Unfortunately, the parts were polished before being clear anodized and now they look like chrome. I'm looking for a more /satin matte finish (like 600 grit sandpaper finish) that is still shiny. Not sure if they should be media blasted or etched.

G.M. VandenBerg
boat owner - Annapolis, Maryland, USA
September 20, 2008

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Hi, G.M.

Most professionals don't like to blast aluminum because it is very soft, absorbs trash during the process, and it's very hard to undo. Most any anodizing shop can do an alkaline etch that you'll probably find pleasing, and some shops can do a bifluoride etch as well. I think a simple alkaline etch should be what you want, especially on 6000 series aluminum which is less problematical than some other alloys. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
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June , 2012

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