Looks like it's brushed aluminum. Nice idea! I'll have to try this!
interesting - got a closer pic?
So I grabbed one of my QFR's and copied you today :)
I think it came out well, thanks for the idea. Somehow I think it came out more black than yours. Ironically, I started with a grey cover. What color was yours?
One think I did differently was that I chose to apply a matte finish after working down the plastic (http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=618). I didnt do this for looks, but because I felt like touching the rough unfinished surface left annoying little plastic particulate on my fingers. I used the matte finish as a "sealant". Im hoping that when it fully dries it will be even less shiny.Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/T6kZGmU.jpg)Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/zz9z2DK.jpg)
These look great. I wonder if it would take a coat of brown paint or stain, and then a matte finish, to really give it that wood-grain look. Would be perfect for the Sindarin set (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=38264.0)...
So I grabbed one of my QFR's and copied you today :)
I think it came out well, thanks for the idea. Somehow I think it came out more black than yours. Ironically, I started with a grey cover. What color was yours?
One think I did differently was that I chose to apply a matte finish after working down the plastic (http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=618). I didnt do this for looks, but because I felt like touching the rough unfinished surface left annoying little plastic particulate on my fingers. I used the matte finish as a "sealant". Im hoping that when it fully dries it will be even less shiny.
is that picture of the case with the sealant already applied? if so do you have any pics of before you applied it?
These look great. I wonder if it would take a coat of brown paint or stain, and then a matte finish, to really give it that wood-grain look. Would be perfect for the Sindarin set (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=38264.0)...
Are you using a big enough wire brush? The wires on mine were pretty thick and stiff, and would definitely take off chunks of skin haha. If you're just getting a polishing effect, the metal wires might be too soft.
These right here: http://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece-wire-wheel-and-cup-brush-set-1341.html
Are you using a big enough wire brush? The wires on mine were pretty thick and stiff, and would definitely take off chunks of skin haha. If you're just getting a polishing effect, the metal wires might be too soft.
These right here: http://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece-wire-wheel-and-cup-brush-set-1341.html
i got it. its just that mine was bent in one direction from so much use that i had to make the drill spin the opposite way to get it to dig in. then i reversed it and use the bristles to remove burrs. mine looks just like the other two now.
Are you using a big enough wire brush? The wires on mine were pretty thick and stiff, and would definitely take off chunks of skin haha. If you're just getting a polishing effect, the metal wires might be too soft.
These right here: http://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece-wire-wheel-and-cup-brush-set-1341.html
i got it. its just that mine was bent in one direction from so much use that i had to make the drill spin the opposite way to get it to dig in. then i reversed it and use the bristles to remove burrs. mine looks just like the other two now.
Are you going to try painting?
These look great. I wonder if it would take a coat of brown paint or stain, and then a matte finish, to really give it that wood-grain look. Would be perfect for the Sindarin set (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=38264.0)...
what if you took 2 shades of brown paint and put one on, and used the scraping tool lightly then applied the other and scraped more. and gradually do this with more and more coats until the colors are blended and textured
Are you using a big enough wire brush? The wires on mine were pretty thick and stiff, and would definitely take off chunks of skin haha. If you're just getting a polishing effect, the metal wires might be too soft.
These right here: http://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece-wire-wheel-and-cup-brush-set-1341.html
It should work. I'm sure results might vary depending on the color of the plastic, what kind of brush you use, and your technique. You could also test on a small area on the underside of the case and see if you like it.
It should work. I'm sure results might vary depending on the color of the plastic, what kind of brush you use, and your technique. You could also test on a small area on the underside of the case and see if you like it.
Hmm...I just don't know if I should paint or try this. I need to get another case so I can try both :D
It should work. I'm sure results might vary depending on the color of the plastic, what kind of brush you use, and your technique. You could also test on a small area on the underside of the case and see if you like it.
Hmm...I just don't know if I should paint or try this. I need to get another case so I can try both :D
you can always still do this after painting it
Im not sure how it would come out on other boards, but I would love to see. The thing is, the QFR top plate is kinda unique in that its a rubbery type of plastic, its weird. Im not sure if that would really make any difference.
Did you guys use a vice of some kind to hold the board while using the metal brush?
Thanks guys. Painting it was a pain in the ass. Even thin coats had a tendency to fill the "grain" and sit on the surface, so after each thin coat I had to blot with a paper towel to push the paint into the grain and remove excess paint. Ended up applying more thinner coats than I would normally do, but it was a nice day and I had the time, for once, so it was worth it.
Show Image(http://test2-img.ehowcdn.com/article-new/ehow/images/a05/5j/ta/distressed-wood-finishing-800x800.jpg)