How to get a mirror finish on a steel case?

[Metalloid]

I have a case that is made mostly of steel. How do I make it have a chrome looking or mirror finish? Will sanding and polishing the steel work, or will I need to get chrome spraypaint? Thanks in advance.

 

[Fallen Kell]

Same way you lap a heatsink, but you don't need to be as careful about keeping it perfectly flat. Get a sander or a drill with the sander attachment. Get sandpaper with grits 230, 330, 400, 500, 700, 800, 1000, 1500, and possibly 2000. Then start sanding with the lowest grit paper. When it seems that the paper has done its job wash everything off, and bump up to the next size grit. Its best to use wet/dry grit that you wet before putting on the sander as well as use a little bit of soap as well (soap helps keep the fileings from binding up on the paper)... Gonna take a long time... Actually you might want to get another opinion, as steel might be too hard a metal to sand. Talk to the guys in an auto shop (you will most likely have to go there to get the sandpaper anyway), they might be able to tell you if you can sand steel to a mirror like shine.

 

[amdskip]

Stupid question but won't it rust after sanding it smooth?

 

[Metalloid]

K I am going to autozone friday to get some window molding so I will ask while I am there. If it is going to take a long time then the chrome spraypaint may be a smarter option, but I don't know what the quality difference will be.

And I have no idea if it will rust.

 

[beatle]

I don't know of any cases made from stainless steel, so it would rust if you didn't clearcoat it. Probably not quickly though, as you won't be submerging it in water or exposing it to the elements. It WILL take a long time... I'd guess 12 hours of hard work if all goes well. You may end up with an uneven finish too. Chrome spraypaint won't have near the look or shine of a good polish job or quality chrome plating.

 

[yhelothar]

hmmm whatever you do.. don't get rustoleum chrome spraypaint.. i got that before.. and it NEVER dries.. i had it well sanded with 600 and two coats of primer.. also sanded with 600...
yes and clear coat doesn't work.. it makes the chrome dull gray..

 

[Metalloid]

Well this sucks. If I sand it the finish will look better, but it will take forever and rust (if clearcoat doesn't work). And if I paint it, it won't look as good.

Any other suggestions?

 

[amdskip]

To get this look, the true solution is a true aluminum case. Its expensive but its the truth.

 

[D3xx]

Sand it smooth and then take it to get chrome plated

 

[Metalloid]

Originally posted by: D3xx
Sand it smooth and then take it to get chrome plated

That is looking kinda pricey. I think chrome spray paint is my best bet.

 

[beatle]

If you're convinced that chrome spraypaint is for you, try it on another case or another piece of metal using the procedure you would take if you were doing it to your primary machine.

 

[Jeff7]

I've used 2 different brands of Chrome paint and they seem to have a serious problem - rub it, and your finger turns silver, even after several months. Spray it with clearcoat, and it turns into a dingy gray. Chrome paint seems to be best suited for things that are behind glass, never to be touched.

 

[Thump553]

Like virtualgames0 and Jeff7 said, stay away from chrome spraypaint. I had illusions of making my tower case look like a 1950's Checker cab with a huge chrome bumper. I did a huge number of thin coats (probably 20+), properly spaced out and eventually got a smooth, reflective surface. Weeks after it was done, I put my external zipdrive on top and the rubber feet went right through the paint. Even now, almost two years after the paint job was done, if I put the zip drive on, its rubber feet will still make marks.

If you're serious, the only way to do it is to get it chromed somewhere.

 

[Metalloid]

How much does chroming cost?

 

[ericboo]

Not that is chrome plating, but www.jet-hot.com did the exhaust and header on my motorcycle in a sterling silver finish. Has a good almost mirror-like finish and is powder coat which is durable. And it polishes right up with Mother's or any similar compound.

You might want to see what they would charge, but powder coating is cheap.

Just a thought.

 

[amdskip]

Originally posted by: Metalloid15
How much does chroming cost?

At least a couple hundred bucks. Try powdercoating, never seen it done to a case. It won't be shiny but it would be really sweet.

 

[Metalloid]

Well I have to admit that on my way home from my basketball game I stopped at home depot and got some chrome spray paint for $3.50. I will try it this weekend and let you guys know how it works.