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Plating onto aluminum and decorative question

I am going to manufacture a small decorative case for a product I sell using aluminum tubing. Question: What can I plate aluminum with? What types of decor can I do with it? Etching, raised designs, painting? Keep in mind it is cylinder shape and is a women's cosmetic item. I don't know much about metal and want to have an idea of what I'm talking about when I call a company to do the work.Any suggestions? Thank you!

Kyle Passmore
- Los Angeles, California
2003

Aluminum can be plated with any commonly plated metal (gold, silver, nickel-chrome, etc.). It can also be painted, powder coated, or anodized. It can be etched or scratch brushed. Look at other consumer items that are aluminum for ideas: knitting needles, lamps, flashlights, archery arrows, paintball guns, etc.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003

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