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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: noisyturtle on Tue, 27 October 2015, 16:22:03

Title: Getting scratches out of aluminum
Post by: noisyturtle on Tue, 27 October 2015, 16:22:03
Just noticed a surface scratch on my case, and now I cannot unnoticed it. It's just a surface scratch and feels about flush with the rest of the case, so it is very shallow.
Any suggestions on removing the imperfection? I am assuming trying to buff it out gently will mess it up further (by turning that area white like the scratch.)
Title: Re: Getting scratches out of aluminum
Post by: Keypurrfect on Tue, 27 October 2015, 17:38:41
Sadly, you can't. Deal with it.
Title: Re: Getting scratches out of aluminum
Post by: Findecanor on Tue, 27 October 2015, 17:48:47
On some things, scratches and scuff marks just add to the item's character. Many antiques lose value if you polish them.

The only way to remove a scratch in bare aluminium is to buff around it down to the scratch. Alternatively, you could give it a wire-brushed or sandblasted finish - which the scratch could be camouflaged in if you do it right.

If it is anodized black then you could blacken it with a marker pen ... or with chemicals such as Birchwood Casey Aluminum Black (gun store), but the latter is a bit expensive for just a tiny scratch.
But if your case is anodized in a colour, then you are out of luck.
Title: Re: Getting scratches out of aluminum
Post by: alexjd99 on Tue, 27 October 2015, 18:12:01
Sounds like a reason to just buy another board!
Title: Re: Getting scratches out of aluminum
Post by: hudson0804 on Tue, 27 October 2015, 18:22:16
If you can feel the scratch then you're unlikely to remove it.

You could try wet and dry a very fine grit 1000 plus and work the the area with a block and lots of water.

Once the scratch is our polish the area with finishing paste.
Title: Re: Getting scratches out of aluminum
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 27 October 2015, 20:56:22
Those green "Scotchbrite" pads are pretty useful.

Also the cleaning product "Barkeeper's Friend"
Title: Re: Getting scratches out of aluminum
Post by: jonathanyu on Tue, 27 October 2015, 21:09:17
maybe aluminium putty?
Title: Re: Getting scratches out of aluminum
Post by: raymogi on Tue, 27 October 2015, 21:22:21
I had some of those on my OTD. Used normal eraser and it works just fine.