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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: 1UP on March 24, 2002, 06:10:13 pm

Title: Sources for brushed metal?
Post by: 1UP on March 24, 2002, 06:10:13 pm
I'm planning to use brushed or ground aluminum or steel for parts of my cabinet.  I was thinking of laminating plain aluminum sheeting to wood, then using a sander to give it some texture.  Are there places where I can get this already made?  My preference is for metals brushed with textures that cause different lighting patterns to shine off it, like in modern metal sculptures.

I need both natural and anodized black metals.  Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Sources for brushed metal?
Post by: tellarite on March 25, 2002, 12:20:23 am
I'm not sure what you are going for, as you weren't exactly clear (at least in my messed up my mind  ;) )

However, have you looked at formica? I know that sounds weird, but they have a product line called DecoMetal which is a metal foil in different varieties bonded to a thin peice of phenolic. This makes it really easy to bond to the wood.

Check out one example at : http://www.formica.com/north_america/products/decometal/solid_metals/chip.jsp?mode=&chip=M605


Title: Re: Sources for brushed metal?
Post by: 1UP on March 25, 2002, 05:58:27 am
Quote
I'm not sure what you are going for, as you weren't exactly clear (at least in my messed up my mind
Title: Re: Sources for brushed metal?
Post by: ErikRuud on March 25, 2002, 10:16:18 am
Try using  a wire wheel in a dremel.  You should be able to get the results you are looking for. It may take a little practice to get the exact look that you want.
Title: Re: Sources for brushed metal?
Post by: KeithD on April 02, 2002, 05:59:48 pm
Try using a scotchbrite wheel on a disc sander if you want a random pattern. The engine-turn finish on my control panel took about 4 hours to do on a Bridgeport, and I didn't quite get it even enough to look really good.
It would be tough to get an even finish by hand on a large sheet, so I think you are heading the right way with the random pattern.

K