Sanding aluminum

[Nicodimas]

Hi there

wondering your thoughts on sanding aluminum ? I have one of these aluminum b5 ppgs and wanted insight.

I usually work on steel , so kitchen knives. So that knowledge might have gotten me in a little trouble.. As I started with probably the wrong grit..

what’s the best grit to work to create a satin finish you think? I have been playing with 220 (too much material lost) to 800.

I have a scotchbrite belt xtra fine that seems to work well too on certain surfaces to get all the scratches going the same way.

 

[jheilman]

I'm no expert, but have sanded and polished aluminum pieces to create the fins on my TOS phaser. Can't remember starting grit, but worked my way down to 600 grit and finished with a thick cotton cloth with Turtle Wax rubbing compound for a super shine. For satin finish, maybe 600 grit alone would achieve that?

 

[ID10T]

Depending on the “brush” finish you want, 400 or 600 usually does it. Try it wet, with a drop of dish soap in the water. Light pressure or you load the paper.

You may consider some sort of guide to keep the scratches straight.

 

[JPH]

Agree with the above. Sand by hand in circles. Wet. Light pressure.