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world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


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Decorative etching of aluminum

I am interested in doing decorative etching on some customer parts. Most are cast Aluminum and will later be finished in chrome. Since I am not much of an artist engraving is not an option. Could you please direct me to a source that can offer a deep etching tecnique either sand blasting, acid or galvanic etching that I can use.

Richard Zelinger
-Polishing Metal - Greeley, Colorado, USA
2004

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If you are after sand blasting and have the equipment available I suggest doing it yourself, just make stencils out of duct tape and go to it.

Marc Banks
- Elizabeth City, North Carolina
2004

Myself I prefer masking or electrical tape, I've found its hard to get crisp edges for a stencil with duct tape. If you do not own sand/bead blasting equipment but still want to go this route than look in the phone book for a local sand blasting shop...if none are listed call your local automotive machine shops/muffler shops. Usually one of them has the equipment and will be willing to do it for a reasonable price.

Jason Aube
- Flint, Michigan
2004