[alt-photo] Re: odd tintype observation

[etienne garbaux]

Kerik wrote:

>The trophy plate aluminum that Main Trophy sells is not anodized. It is
>coated with a gloss enamel paint (according to the sales guy I deal with
>there).

Interesting.

>Anodizing usually leaves a satiny finish rather than glossy.

It all depends on the finish applied to the aluminum before 
anodizing.  Lots of times a "brushed finish" is used, which is done 
with wire-wheel brushes and leaves a satiny, grained finish.  Etching 
with alkali gives a flatter, matte satin look.  You can polish 
aluminum to a very glossy mirror finish, but the anodizing dulls it a 
bit.  Aluminum carabiners often have this finish.

Best regards,

etienne