how to fake a bead blast?

Midget · Jul 16, 2003

Anyone know how to matte a metal finish w/o a beadblaster?

I can think of like a billion things that I have that I would rather have in a matte finish, but don't have sufficient funds for an air compressor.

What are ways you can make a finish not reflective? Coatings?

shane45-1911 · Jul 16, 2003

A Scotch pad (dish cleaning scouring pad) can leave a decent finish with some practice. Try moderately light strokes in one direction, and alternate "cross-hatch" strokes in another.

DanEHunter · Jul 16, 2003

Comet scouring powder and a toothbrush

Midget · Jul 17, 2003

thnx guys, I went over my seiko with a scotch pad + toothpaste, then again with a scotch pad + comet. It is still kind of reflective, but not nearly as bad as it was.

Now about the crystal. Any ways of making the flat crystal non-reflective? Other than converting it to a domed.

Take care.

shane45-1911 · Jul 18, 2003

Originally posted by Midget

Now about the crystal. Any ways of making the flat crystal non-reflective?

Yes. You already have the scotch pads and comet. They'll take that shiny surface right off that crystal for you.

(Only joking, of course).

DanEHunter · Jul 18, 2003

I don't think there's anything over the counter you can apply to your watch crystal to make it anti-reflective. There is a chemical process that does accomplish that but it's nothing you can do yourself....I could be wrong though.

toolmaker · Jul 18, 2003

to achieve your matte Finish;

get one of those Jitterbug sanders, or palm sanders at home dept, orchard whatever. they cost about 45.00
use rough sandpaper, about 80 grit. move the sander in small circles, about 1 inch or so. the overlapping action of the sander itself along with your hand movements will result is a nice matte finish.

TheBadGuy · Jul 18, 2003

Toolmaker pretty much described how I have been able to achieve a Homemade Stonewash finish using a B&D "Mouse". The results I have had are very comparable to Microtechs Stonewash finish. Odd huh?

DanEHunter · Jul 18, 2003

It'd be kinda hard to use a palm sized sander on a watch case though.

TheBadGuy · Jul 18, 2003

I am not exactly sure of what he is working with, but if he were planning on investing in a palm sander anyway, the B&D Mouse has two differnt base attachments. One of which has about a 3" or so "extension" of sorts thats about 1" wide that you can use for more detailed work.

simko · Jul 19, 2003

how do you use comet dish soap to do the bead blast finish?

fishbulb · Jul 19, 2003

Originally posted by aaron_simkovich
how do you use comet dish soap to do the bead blast finish?

It is a very fine abrasive. It placed on a rag it will act like sandpaper and scuff up a shiny finish.

simko · Jul 19, 2003

thank you sir

Midget · Jul 20, 2003

Yea, it's not really a beadblast finish, but it's definately dull.

I also found a medium grit sanding sponge, which aided in removing some of the reflectiveness.

I just discovered that my housemate in Michigan has invested in a beadblaster- so my dull case is a soon-to-be beadblasted case. Joy.

Thanks guys.