Aluminum Dash

[Rube83]

I am in the process of building a new dash with an angled kick out. I am using aluminum and I would like to have a dull look to it and not shine. I have sandblasted a sample and like the look but I am sure that finish would degrade over time and also show oil prints easily. Does anyone have any ideas on how to dull this piece and also protect it?

Thanks, Aaron.

 

[mtnwhlr]

Flat clear coat

 

[Jimbos76cj]

Flat clear coat

^^^x2

 

[IOPort51]

Spray muriatic acid, available at your pool supply or local home despot. And let it set until you have the effect you are looking for, hose down to rinse and wash with baking sode and water to completely kill the acid. then apply clear spray paint. Watch out for prints until you get the paint on. the acid works best when it is warm.

I did this on the door panels on my old pick up and it held up pretty well.

Good luck and do be careful.

 

[Rube83]

Thanks guys. Will there be any issues with the clear coat adhering to the aluminum?

I use muriatic acid occasionally to clean my shower and know the precausions.

 

[mtnwhlr]

If you sandblast it first you will not have any problems.

 

[Torxhead]

I have always used WD-40 on aluminum after a blast and for cleaning it afterwards. I would think the sun would have an uneven dulling effect on the clear coat after time.

 

[mstar]

This might be a stretch for you but they make a aluminum protectant called
"Sharkhide" that is very tuff and easy to apply. It dries to a neutral finish and gives the look you desire.The catch is it's $80.00 a qt.I have used it on my 22' boat and can do two coats with product left over.I use it on all my aluminum parts (jeep,boat,or otherwise) that are raw or uncoated .This keeps them looking like new and not corroding.Maybe a friend or boat owner in your area could let you use enough to do the dash.Probably only take a couple tablespoons.Try it out on a piece of scrap you will be surprised. mike

 

[mstar]

There is another product that I have used from POR-15 called Glisen PC
that is a clear coat for bare metal.It is a two part with activator.I sprayed the aluminum bellhousing on the '69 Dauntless Buick 225 V6 engine and was very pleased with the result.Plus only $40. pint .Let's see some pics of the dash.
mike

 

[Rube83]

Progress - I sandblasted a sample piece and clear coated it with a satin Clear coat. The results are good so I will go that route.

 

[Rube83]

Final before cutting holes for gauges and Radio.

 

[Rube83]

I forgot to say I also bent the bottom edge in an inch.

 

[ThisGuyUKnow]

This might be a stretch for you but they make a aluminum protectant called
"Sharkhide" that is very tuff and easy to apply. It dries to a neutral finish and gives the look you desire.The catch is it's $80.00 a qt.I have used it on my 22' boat and can do two coats with product left over.I use it on all my aluminum parts (jeep,boat,or otherwise) that are raw or uncoated .This keeps them looking like new and not corroding.Maybe a friend or boat owner in your area could let you use enough to do the dash.Probably only take a couple tablespoons.Try it out on a piece of scrap you will be surprised. mike

Thanks for posting about this product. I will be treating my aluminum motorcycle wheels with this product this summer now.