aluminum plate

Dieseltech · Aug 31, 2020

I have an aluminum diamond plate tool box lid I would like to "de-shine" as the sun sometimes can blind your eyes. What are good choices to accomplish a dull finish?
Thanks!

MJMJ · Aug 31, 2020

Certain acids will dull the finish. I've heard of using oven cleaner too, but never tried it myself.

showcrop · Aug 31, 2020

Acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice will do it but not too aggressively.

DoubleO7 · Aug 31, 2020

Sandblasting

jd man wis · Aug 31, 2020

They make acid wash for wheels and fuel tanks that we use to spray on them to clean them before we polish them up and it would leave them in a like a white color before we polish them. You can mix water with it so it's not to strong and be carfull because it will burn your skin and take your breath away when using it.

showcrop · Sep 1, 2020

Another possibility that is between the vinegar and lime and the tank cleaner is phosphoric acid which is available as milk stone remover at dairy supply stores and as limescale remover at restaurant supply stores. It is not dangerous to use and would not turn the aluminum rough.

ss55 · Sep 1, 2020

Is the toolbox really bare aluminum or is there some type of clear coat protecting the aluminum? You may have to remove any protective coatings to reach the base metal. Flat black paint is often used to eliminate glare from shinny surfaces.

300jk · Sep 1, 2020

Last year I wanted exactly the opposite of you. I had an older aluminum box that was really oxidized. I wanted shiny. I bought a gallon of Aluma brite from Napa to start with. It cleaned off all the oxidation, but left kind of a dull finish. That might work for you. I wanted shiny so then I polished mine with Mother’s and a buffer.

aluminum plate

Dieseltech

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MJMJ

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showcrop

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DoubleO7

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jd man wis

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showcrop

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ss55

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300jk

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