Best way to get the polished aluminum look?

[Warren G]

Hey everyone,

I got an extra case from a friend and I want to mess around with it. So far Im thinking of getting the "clean" look so I want the polished/shiny aluminum. Its a steel case btw. Whats teh best way to get the current paint/metal off to get to the shiny part? My only good modding tool is a dremel.

[Electron Chaser]

I would recommend you pick up a "jitterbug" palm sander. You will be there for days trying to remove that paint with a dremel. Not to mention it will be difficult to remove the paint/metal evenly to give you the polished look you are looking for. Since after you remove the paint you will have to wet sand it using some very fine grit sandpaper this is when this sander will really come in handy giving you a nice even polish. Just don't forget to immediately apply a clear coat sealer else it will rust on you.

[Eric1285]

Random orbital buffer, several different grits of wet/dry sandpaper, 2000 grit or higher polishing compound...

[Daewood]

you will need to start with about 100 grit sandpaper and work your way all the way up to 2000 and 3500 if you can find it. then use a polishing compound on it and you should have a incredibly shiney case there bud.

[Emon]

All you ever wanted to know:
http://metku.net/index.html?sect=view&n=1&path=mods/shinyshuttle/index_eng

[Enablingwolf]

I would use a paint stripper gel(?Jasco?). Then once the paint is off and the gel neutralized. Use the sanding method of choice.

[threeme2189]

i would burn it :mad::mad::mad:
lol j/k

[johnny5c]

I second using a stripper gel, less work than sanding. I do alot of auto/bike body work and with the new products out now it's not even worth getting out the sander. If you can find it, get Prostripper made by KEP. Just brush on a thin coat then wait a hour and remove the paint with a plastic scraper.

[Susquehannock]

Third vote on the paint stripper ('Tal Strip' etc ...). Much easier than sanding.
Just be sure to use the stuff with extreme caution as it can be dangerous.
And don't get in on anything plastic unless you want it destroyed.

After that sand and polish the case. Try not to use wheel polishes like "Mothers"
as they leave a protective film behind. Best to use good old jeweler's polishing compound (rouge).

[CrystalMethod]

You can also sand the panels till they are shiny/polished. Just have to keep working through the grades till you get the finish you want and like Electron Chaser mentioned clear coat it after to keep it from rusting. I would also second (or forth or fifth by now) the use of a paint stripper. Just make sure you have good ventilation adn wear gloves, if you choose to use the stuff.

[Electron Chaser]

On another note.
You could always just remove all the paint and then get the case chromed. Sure it will cost some money but it would definately look sweet.

[Lunar_Lamp]

Hey everyone,

I got an extra case from a friend and I want to mess around with it. So far Im thinking of getting the "clean" look so I want the polished/shiny aluminum. Its a steel case btw. Whats teh best way to get the current paint/metal off to get to the shiny part? My only good modding tool is a dremel.

I don't know if you are from the UK or not - but in my local Woolworths they are selling orbital buffers for around £8-9. Now, they probably aren't the best, but they should get the job done!

[maxio098ui]

i love chrome i whould love a chrome lian-li :P
i wonder:P

[Warren G]

Thanks for the info guys!! Think Ill be going the paint stripper way (less work for me :D ) Getting it chrome dipped isnt a bad idea. I know a few people that does powder coating for wheels so Ill probably take it to them and see what they can do :)

[Ciffer]

i have heard of using scotch brite pads and rubbing the steel, it gives it kinda a dull shine, does that make any sense