Aluminum Tube "Aux Naturel" - I gave up!

I had an aluminum tube made (Rolled and Welded - with a foldover at each end - $80) to replace my home-made fiberglass tube for my 'Most Expensive' 6" f6 to be ready for Winter Star Party (WSP)!
I tried to make it bare polished aluminum to prove out the theory that bare aluminum, with it's very low IR Emissivity, would be less likely to Dew Up. I really wanted to try that out!
However, after grinding, sanding, and much more wet sanding down to 600 grit, and achieving a nice smooth satin finish that looked pretty good, I gave up.
The material (.083) was too soft!
Every time it touched, or pressed against any hard surface - watch strap, ring, plastic pieces, etc., it would leave a mark. Not Acceptable!
I phoned a few Powder Coat Shops, and got a price of $35 for a white powder coat job.
I picked it up today!
What a beautiful job!
DON'T paint your tubes, or struts, or metal pieces. Get them Powder Coated.
Cheaper (in many cases) and DURABLE.
I gave up the low IR emissivity, but what a surface.
BUT, phone around and tell them how much prep you've done and pick the White or Black for cheapest prices.
You won't be sorry!
C U at WSP!
Mike in FL.....>

Hello Mike,

Sorry to hear that your project didn't turn out the way you intended. I have done the same thing also over the summer: replaced the tube of my old Skywatcher 8" f/6 tube with a rolled/welded aluminium tube but I used 14ga. I used a wire brush to give it a satiny finish but because of the gauge of the aluminium I had no problems with dings and scratches.

If you have a picture of your tube, I'd really like to see it.

Luc

Attached Image:

Mike, where did you get the powder coating done? Most of the shops around here don't seem interested in "small" jobs. Orlando area.

Walt

Mike
A clear anoxize would preserve the satin finish and not effecr the IR.
Buck