How do you "brush" Aluminum?

[Poseidon]

I bought a piece of alloy 5053 aluminum sheet to do a DIY light fixture, but I am not real happy with the finish. Is there a way to use a buffer, or palm sander or something else to get a nice matte finish? I am thinking about painting the fixture silver if I can't get a nice finish by hand...

Any and all ideas will be appreciated. :bigsmile::wink:

 

[ficklefins]

This one looks pretty good:
http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=114028

 

[Poseidon]

Thanks! That does look pretty easy! I'm sure I can make up a rig to do that.

 

[Pitcom]

Scotch brite pads work well. Sander will give a nice even total swipe though.