Bicycle Mechanics - satin titanium finish

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roadfix
05-08-06, 04:19 PM
Any ideas on how to get rid of that raw/satin finish on titanium frames? I like that brushed look some ti frames come finished as. I tried sanding the bottom of the BB shell using fine emery cloth and it looks rather nice, therefore thinking about sanding the entire frame in this fashion. Any other ideas?

Old Hammer Boy
05-08-06, 05:50 PM
You probably already know this, but I would imagine sandpaper (or other abrasive material) produced in rolls, rather than sheets would make the job easier. Cut pieces about 12-16" long and stroke away.
ZachS
05-08-06, 06:02 PM
i've heard that steel wool or the stronger varieties of scotch-brite work.

HillRider
05-09-06, 06:54 AM
The factory uses Scotch Brite pads.
Avalanche325
05-09-06, 08:24 AM
Make sure that you sand in just in one direction. That way you get that nice machine finished look. When you work on one tube, mask other ones at the joints so you don't get scratches in the wrong direction.

Are you refinishing your Litespeed? Let me know how it turns out. I have thought about doing mine, which has the raw Ti finish.
roadfix
05-09-06, 11:22 AM
Make sure that you sand in just in one direction. That way you get that nice machine finished look. When you work on one tube, mask other ones at the joints so you don't get scratches in the wrong direction.

Are you refinishing your Litespeed? Let me know how it turns out. I have thought about doing mine, which has the raw Ti finish.

Yep, I'm doing the Firenze frame I picked up like 3 months ago. I love the frame but don't care much about the finish. I'll try it with Scotchbrite as suggested and see how that goes.... I'll post photos when done...:)
Secret Squirrel
05-09-06, 04:36 PM
I sucessfully polished an American Classic Titanium seat post to match my Polished Litespeed and I have to tell you that it is a lot of work. I used 000 steel wool and it took a long time by hand. The final finish was a perfect match. I don't think I would try it again without access to machine polishing.
jur
05-09-06, 05:01 PM
You could try a scotchbrite pad in a drill, used like a wire brush. Less elbow grease, and the fine scour marks will be unidirectional.
roadfix
05-11-06, 02:54 PM
Actually, a fine 3" wire wheel on a drill is working nicely so far, and quick. I'll post before and after pics this weekend....:)
roadfix
05-13-06, 10:49 PM
....so far so good....
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/jojisan/BrushedTi.jpg
jur
05-14-06, 05:32 AM
* drool *
Scooby Snax
05-14-06, 08:22 AM
Schwing!

How long did it take to complete?
roadfix
05-14-06, 10:23 AM
How long did it take to complete?

About 2 hours....a lot easier and faster than I had anticipated.
linus
05-14-06, 11:52 AM
Looks great. Maybe I can do this too.