Topic: How do I get a dull aluminum finish on a 2100 / 4100 carb.

[66candy]

I spend hours and hours to clean my Autolite 4100 carburetor. It's as clean as it can get but I don't like the result. It too shiny. I think my Dremel wirebrush combination had a polishing effect on the aluminum. Is there a way to get it dull again? I tried a few chemicals but all my attempts failed so far.

Here's a picture:

[RogerArrick]

I don't know the answer but I'm about to have the same question when I start my 2100 carb restore. 

I'm thinking the pros might blast with a secret formula like walnut shells or something, but you'd have to be REAL careful to clean out the left-overs. 

Another option is to soda-blast them with a DIY gun.  I recently did this and it worked pretty good.
http://www.rogerarrick.com/sodablaster/

You might try a simple scotch-brite pad too.  That might just do the trick.

[CharlesTurner]

I can tell you that walnut shells does absolutely nothing other than clean the surface.

Have not tried many methods to get the finish back, but it is one of the more difficult pieces to get right.

[J_Speegle]

Might try wheel cleaner (a light acid) - remember to keep it moist and the liquid moving (not setting on the surface) as it can create different patterns. Have used it for dulling other cast and plated items

[Bob Gaines]

Might try wheel cleaner (a light acid) - remember to keep it moist and the liquid moving (not setting on the surface) as it can create different patterns. Have used it for dulling other cast and plated items

I use Eagle 1 CHROME and WIRE WHEEL Cleaner. The regular Eagle wheel cleaner and many other brands do not have enough acid in them to have a efffect.Bob