Scratches in Aluminum

[Traveller]

I am removing panels and there are a series of scratches on some prominent panels in the engine bay that will be visible. I am going to have all panels powder coated. My question is if powdercoat is generally good at hiding somewhat deep scratches or should I try to sand them out or at least sand enough to blend in. Any thoughts or recommendations appreciated.

-Jason

[NAZ]

Powder coating hides minor blemishes but not deep scratches. Everything that I've had powder coated was first sand blasted. So if they are deep enough to catch a fingernail in they will likely show. But minor scratches should cover, especially if the powder coater sand blasts the panels.

[Traveller]

Powder coating hides minor blemishes but not deep scratches. Everything that I've had powder coated was first sand blasted. So if they are deep enough to catch a fingernail in they will likely show. But minor scratches should cover, especially if the powder coater sand blasts the panels.

Thanks - I may give sanding a shot to smooth them out somewhat. They are not terribly deep, but definitely would catch a fingernail.

[CraigS]

I would use a 1/4 sheet sander
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-2-Amp-Corded-1-4-Sheet-Finishing-Sander-with-60G-Paper-100G-Paper-150G-Paper-Dust-Bag-and-Punch-Plate-BO4556/202312080?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CG%7CBase%7CD25T%7C25-9_PORTABLE+POWER%7CNA%7CLIA%7c71700000044155732%7c 58700004615424082%7c92700045026638625&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2efrBRD3ARIsAEnt0ejl9pFukBDxjoLR-u_CtgfpblnbsF7AB14SBwe3kL1BE8LMZPoTO2caApntEALw_wc B&gclsrc=aw.ds
Start w/ about 150 grit and finish w/ 400 grit.
One of these would also work
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-4-Amp-Corded-JobMax-Multi-Tool-with-Tool-Free-Head-R28602/206824272

[Traveller]

I would use a 1/4 sheet sander
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-2-Amp-Corded-1-4-Sheet-Finishing-Sander-with-60G-Paper-100G-Paper-150G-Paper-Dust-Bag-and-Punch-Plate-BO4556/202312080?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CG%7CBase%7CD25T%7C25-9_PORTABLE+POWER%7CNA%7CLIA%7c71700000044155732%7c 58700004615424082%7c92700045026638625&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2efrBRD3ARIsAEnt0ejl9pFukBDxjoLR-u_CtgfpblnbsF7AB14SBwe3kL1BE8LMZPoTO2caApntEALw_wc B&gclsrc=aw.ds
Start w/ about 150 grit and finish w/ 400 grit.
One of these would also work
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-4-Amp-Corded-JobMax-Multi-Tool-with-Tool-Free-Head-R28602/206824272

Thanks Craig. I tackled the scratches as you said. I actually had to go to a higher grit to blend in the sand job, but it looks fine now.

[CraigS]

Glad to hear it worked out.