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Q&As since 1989


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Diffuse coating on smooth surface

WE have been asked on several occasions to provide a diffuse coating on a flashlight reflector. When the we receive the reflector it is smooth and the customer wants the surface to be textured like textured plastic in order to achieve the diffuse coating. Are there any paints, process, or other that can achieve this texture before we evaporate the aluminum on it? Any help would be appreciated.

Glenn Mueller
VP - East Bridgewater, Massachusetts
2004

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First of two simultaneous responses --

You should be able to get the diffuse finish by bead blasting. You'll have to play with the size grit, et al., to get the surface the way you want it, but bead blasted surfaces are easy to coat. Just make sure you thoroughly clean the parts afterward. Very often the grit will stick to the surface.

Jim Treglio - scwineryreview.com
PVD Consultant & Wine Lover - San Diego,
California
2004

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Second of two simultaneous responses --

Glenn,

You forgot to tell us what the base material is. Also, are you going to basecoat it, or are you using the direct metallization process?

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2004