Topic: Aluminum cast bare Finish Advice Needed

[Zax]

Hi,

 I considered hijacking a couple threads in the project shop but think this is more considerate. i have a 78 750F that needed fork seals (just completed). while the front end was apart i picked up new brake pads, bead blasted the rotor centers and had the rotors machined. With the caliper mounts off i bead blasted them too (after not so good results in a parts cleaner soak). I love the flat finish but from what I have read here it will not last long in this state but most of the posts I tracked down talk more about polished aluminum. 

 What is the best solution to protect cast aluminum parts and hardware after bead blasting? I love the texture and flat look of bare aluminum metal and really want to keep it that way. I am now looking at other hardware, valve tappet covers, lower triple clamp etc


Thanks,

 ZACH

[Bodi]

Clear anodizing might worl OK. Trying to color anodized cast parts gives a blotchy effect but I'm unsure of whether that means the actual surface conversion is faulty or if it just doesn't take dye as well as billet.

[bjbuchanan]

Just use a polishing cleaner every once in a while to maintain the look. You don't really need to put anything on it with a little maintenance

[calj737]

Anodizing doesn't take well on cast alloys, regardless of the color or tint you use. You can leave it bare and use an aluminum wheel cleaner periodically. Or, try clear powder coat on it. The bead blasting actually is necessary for the powder to bind to.