Aluminum panel finish choices

[Malibu46pt]

I have read several different ways to finish the aluminum panels. Some for appearance and some for heat and sound proofing. I would appreciate hearing opinions Pro and con for the different finish options.

[edwardb]

Thread on this a couple weeks ago. https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?42814-Panel-coating-options. Plus lots of older ones.

[CaptB]

I had powder coating done. The cost for all my panels wasn't crazy (that was last year) but, there's 100s of opinions here and they're all good for what they did themselves.

[Mike.Bray]

I like the aluminum look so I've decided to go with clear anodize. Other anodize options are:

Various colors (think AN fittings).
Clean and color bright dip https://aerospacemetalsllc.com/what-is-bright-dip-anodizing/#:~:text=The%20chemical%20process%20called%20Brigh t,of%20the%20treated%20aluminum%20part.
Hard anodize which turns out beige or brown
Hard anodize with black dye.

Bear in mind hard anodizing converts the surface into aluminum oxide which is what grinding wheels are made of. Very hard! So you want to make sure all holes are drilled before hard anodizing.

[RJD]

I went with the aluminum look as well. I've had good results with an initial polish using WD40 and a fine scotchbrite pad, followed up with "Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish" - use as directed. Requires just an occasional follow-up to keep them looking good.

167415
167416
167417
167418
167419