Aluminum El Grande Streamline

[Stevej72]

This is a pen the I had powder coated and the PC didn't turn out quite right. So, I sanded off the powder coating and then sandblasted the aluminum. I haven't put a finish on it yet, but it should probably have something to protect it if I decide I want to keep it.

I'm not sure if I like it, as it looks a little plain and maybe doesn't go with the kit. Maybe a gloss finish would help. Or, maybe when it warms up a little I can try the powder coat again. Any suggestions?

 

[DozerMite]

Send it to me.

A nice polish would probably help with the other bright finish.

 

[johnnycnc]

Steve,
You could try glass beading as opposed to sandblasting.
I think the glass beads give a much nicer shimmer
to the metal.Sort of a sparkly,brighter finish.
Clear coat with a gloss lacquer or powder coat.
It will get grungy with no coating.
I have an example Baron in my album;
http://www.penturners.org/forum/photo_album_view.asp?cname=Main+Album&mid=2413&cid=2641#

 

[jwoodwright]

Nice looking pen, would clear powder coating make it shine?

Of course now it's prepped for electro plating in silver...

 

[R2]

He, hey, hey. Really great looking pen!![^]

 

[johncrane]

l would go with John's idea! and that kit is right for it, a good choice in my book.[]

 

[Stevej72]

Thank you for the comments.

I think I will go over to harbor freight and pick up some glass beads and give that a try. I do like how that worked on your pen, John.

 

[Tanner]

That's cool looking! Wow, sand blasting, powder coating, glass bead blasting, electro plating in silver...a whole bunch of techniques I've never tried. I would be interested in seeing what you do next to the finish.

 

[B727phixer]

I think it looks pretty cool as is, but you are right it probably needs protection. Have you tried (splinter99's)"collinite's No.845". I got some at HF on Harold's recomendation and it works good on wood and acrylic so maybe on aluminum.