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How to achieve satin finish on anodized aluminum

I'm looking for a method of producing a satin anodized finish on aluminum parts. I've tried glass beading the surface before anodizing but that makes a finish that's too flat and collects dirt and fingerprints. I've tried brushing the parts with Scotch Brite before anodizing but that is too labor intensive and it's tough to get a uniform appearance. Is there a chemical etch or a media besides glass beads that would work?

Tom Griffin
Mechanical designer - Ann Arbor, MI, USA
November 3, 2009

Try using different grits of white aluminum oxide and at different pressures. I would start with 120 grit and work from there.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
November 4, 2009

You could try mixed chemical solution of ammonium nitrate and ammonium bifluoride (sorry I forget the formula).

John Hu
- Singapore
November 6, 2009

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