Don't know what process to use.

[jaeger6]

I am making some cast aluminum Emblems that are powder coated then the faces are polished. I need to protect the polished face of these emblems from the weather. I have tried clear coating, but it leaves a plastic look to the emblem.

I am interested in the single step electroless Cobalt Plating Kit for these. Is this a good option? Will the powder coat work well as a mask and only allow the face to be plated? Or will the process hurt the black powder coat?

Any other suggestions? Is there another process I could use for protecting the face?

[jrow]

jaeger6,

I think your emblems look great. You could use clear powder over them but it will have a tendency to dull the polished aluminum. Read the product description of this and see if that will work. http://www.caswellplating.com/vht/vhtclear.htm

John

[jaeger6]

Thanks for the reply.

I was looking at the VHT clear coat. I am a little concerned that it will give it a plastic film look. I may try it though because a solution in the form of a rattle can would be very convenient and low cost.

BTW, the emblems have been updated since that picture of the sample part. It no longer says "tur30" but just say "turbo" in a more normal font.

[jaeger6]

Update.... Seems as though any type of clear coat won't work because it doesn't like to stick to the polished surface. Tried a couple of different types with the same result. I am running out of options. I am going to give clear powder coating a try again. The problem I had last time I tried clear powder coat was that it had a very thick look to it. I'll try again with a much lighter coat... but in my experience thin power coat doesn't like to come out very smooth. Any one have any tips?

[tr4dude]

try wetsanding with a block and polishing the clear after you have coated the emblem, should give it a glass like surface on the letters.