Suggestions on matching new rub rail w/old?

[Mark42]

I have to remove about 18" of badly banged up 1.25" aluminum rub rail and fit in a new piece. I am also replacing the vinyl insert all the way around. The problem is that the old aluminum is sort of satin finish, and the new piece is more high gloss/chrome looking. There is also a color difference, the old aluminum has a touch of yellow, probably due to it being 40 years old. Both the new and old are anodized, so I'm wondering if anything can be done to make them match?<br /><br />It's not really a big deal, but I don't want to wait 30 years for the new piece to age and look like the old stuff!<br /><br />I am also toying with the idea of painting the aluminum white before putting in the new vinyl insert. Anyone ever paint the rub rail?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Mark

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Suggestions on matching new rub rail w/old?

scratch up the new with steel wool or scotch brite<br />pad might work. might have to do same to old for<br />a good match.

 

[self taut]

Re: Suggestions on matching new rub rail w/old?

take a sand blaster to it.will etch the surface of the new. blast the old stuff too will help ease the the difference in color by taking the surface aging off .will give both the same surface texture.easy and cheap.perfect combo. a blasting shop will do it pretty cheap or if you ave a compressor you can get a blasting gun at wal-mart. then get a bag of sand a lowes, southerlands. home depote, etc.gun at wal-mart runs about $12.00 sand only a couple dollars per bag.

 

[self taut]

Re: Suggestions on matching new rub rail w/old?

just thought i would pop in and see if things are going well with your rub rails