the reason you are getting that dull finish is because the media you use is a mix of different abrasives.



hypntyz7 - my intentions are only to help ..... please don't think i'm just trying to argue with you.

 

Even when I used to use baking soda, it did not ever leave a shiny or remotely shiny finish. It was always a duller, satin type finish. I've never seen anything that leaves a shiny finish after blasting...I also use some walnut for engine rotors and other sensitive parts, and it comes the closest to leaving the stock semi-shiny finish intact, but it still dulls it.

I do some powdercoating so I am happy with the fast strip times and rougher finish this product leaves. It strips literally 100x faster than the soda did. I can do a whole rotary UIM, every crack and crevice thoroughly, in about 5-8 minutes with this stuff.

 

I took a bunch of the more visual parts off (or bought replacements) and had them powder coated. The problem with that is the heat. The Chromex coating is only good to about 1200 degrees while the other colors can usually handle up to 1700. The coater toldme above that they tend to turn to like a scaley white finish. We'll see how it looks when I get it installed.

 

so, how about i combine methods. i just ordered a blaster box and some fine glass media.... it will definatly clean the parts. if that looks a little too dull ill hand buff with some 000 steel wool. i did a few practice pieces with the steel wool alone and it gives a little shine to the parts if theyre already clean but does nothing to remove the grime and oxidation. hopefully everything will show up soon and i can give it a go... but i usually dont expect anything i buy on ebay to arrive for a few weeks at least. lets keep this thread going... cause everyone seems to have their own individual method and im interested in hearing about all of them