Lian Li 1200 Inside Case Polishing

As stated, I have a Lian Li 1200 and I'm looking for the most effective way to polish the inside compartment separator plate. The plate the separates the motherboard compartment from the PSU and HDD slots. I've seen this plate polished to a mirror shine on a few cases right here in this very forum.

Is there a way I can polish this to a near mirror shine without sanding/orbital buffer? Will a few passes with brasso work...is there a specific polish for aluminum I can use?

Thanks for any advice you can give.

You need to hand sand it to 1000 grit or so and then use a hand buffer with ALU polishing compound. Not a small project ;)

If there are no scratches in the metal, it is fine to start with 1000 grit. Then move to 1500. Then move to 2000. Make sure you are using a lot of clean water and a good flat sanding block. Then afterwards move to a good polishing compound. I prefer 3M Rubbing compound, which can be bought @ Wal-Mart.

All in all, it is a good 4-6 hours worth of work.

And here is how it could turn out.....http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...LargeSmall.jpg
and another one, although it is too crowded to see the detail.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...nternals-1.jpg

If you don't want to go so hardcore, you could just use a can of Mother's aluminum polish:

http://www.nvnews.net/vbulletin/atta...1&d=1170785582

When I finished mine, it had a perfect mirror-like reflection. Took a few coatings and a good 4-5 hours worth of work, but it works.

You guys are making me really want to convert to a Lian Li now! :devil:

That is EXACTLY what I'm talking about Lowfat & Xion X2. You guys know your stuff here. I see there's no real easy way to do this. Each technique is in the 5 hour range. Regardless, now I know how to get it done. Thanks for the insight.

Ok, so I bought some aluminum polish and started on a small area on the back side of the case. This is what it looks like after an hour of polishing on this one small spot.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...5/100_0223.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...5/100_0224.jpg

I've rubbed my finger nearly off. QUESTION: If I want more of a mirror-like quality finish, does the sanding process include wet-sanding with 1000, 1500, and 2000 grit? Or can I simply dry sand with the same grits?

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Originally Posted by Dark Prodigy

I've rubbed my finger nearly off. QUESTION: If I want more of a mirror-like quality finish, does the sanding process include wet-sanding with 1000, 1500, and 2000 grit? Or can I simply dry sand with the same grits?

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I wouldn't dry sand. You'll just create more scratches in the metal. I'm pretty sure your only option is to wetsand.

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Originally Posted by JayG30

I wouldn't dry sand. You'll just create more scratches in the metal. I'm pretty sure your only option is to wetsand.

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correct. Always use lots of CLEAN water when polishing.

That looks sharp! I would try something like that with a new case, but not with my current one (New case has no parts to remove, and I'm slightly lazy :D). Looks great though.... gave me some ideas.

If you think thats hard work you want to try polishing a whole Wavemaster :yepp:

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Originally Posted by coolmiester

If you think thats hard work you want to try polishing a whole Wavemaster :yepp:

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that sir, is a piece of art.

This is what I have after a day of on and off polishing...

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...5/100_0229.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...5/100_0232.jpg

Not bad but I know it can look better. I'll probably spend a week or so doing some on/off polishing. Right now I'm using the Mothers™ Aluminum Polish, but I'll see what some 3M Rubbing compound can do also...

Wow, that wavemaster looks so good :D

Alright, I think this is as good as its going to get for me.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...5/100_0239.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...5/100_0241.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...5/100_0248.jpg

The last pic was simply showing the refelction compared to the motherboard tray.

Thanks for the advice folks. =)

Ok, so I wasn't quite satisfied with the polishing job. I was simply using solvents and alot of rubbing, as I didn't want to get to get too 'hardcore' with this. As a few days passed I couldn't shake the feeling that I was half-assing it and decided to put more effort into it.

This is the result:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...5/100_0288.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...5/100_0290.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...5/100_0293.jpg


I tell you this, when you decide to not halfass is its ALOT of friggin work. It took me three days of wetsanding and polishing to get it to true mirror quality. And you couldn't pay me to do it again. heh

Once again, thanks to all for the advice.

haha nice. it looks like a tri-cpu motherboard now.

Holy crap, amazing job! :up:

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Originally Posted by NickS

Holy crap, amazing job! :up:

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Seconded.

sometimes i worry where you guys get the time :P

If it's removable (undoable by screws or drilling out rivets) it's possibly to get something to a mirror shine in 30-45minutes with a bench grinder and the right wheels and a good technique.

http://www.hobbytool.com/

Along the same lines there are rotary buffing wheels and bits for dremels for the finer work.

Why don't you just place a mirror on the bottom?
http://www.casejunkies.com/images/ar...cture_6093.jpg

Heavier and not as fun? Fun is a relative term.

Plus it is cheaper, specially since the mirror was custom cut.

Wow, that's amazing, guys!

that looks purely awesome, keep up the good work!

A mirror would look good but it would take the fun out of it.

will the mirrored finish very easy to rust?
or there are also ways to keep it shine?

any idea?

Car wax? should be fine on bare metal since it's not actually out in the elements.

Thanks for all the compliments folks =) Makes it almost worth the effort. :ROTF: And having a custom cut mirror made sort of takes away from the overall effort and purity of the mod.

I wanted to keep the inherent beauty of the case and the designed cut outs as well. I like mods that keep the integrity of the case, I'm not into alot of cutting and panel design, just nice elegant solutions.

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Originally Posted by tasty

will the mirrored finish very easy to rust?
or there are also ways to keep it shine?

any idea?

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Well, its made of aluminum (like all Lian Li V-Cool series) and as far as I know aluminum does not rust. So I don't forsee any problems. And I don't see a need to put any sort of carnauba wax on it. A rub with a microfiber cloth every now and then does just fine to keep it clean and shiny.

All those polished Lian Li's have got me thinking that maybe I should polish my P160W :eek: You guys have just used very fine wet sandpaper and some kind of polishing compound?

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Originally Posted by Nazu

All those polished Lian Li's have got me thinking that maybe I should polish my P160W :eek: You guys have just used very fine wet sandpaper and some kind of polishing compound?

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::little old man cantonese voice:: "...its an ancient Chinese secret..." ;)

I am glad you took the time and decided to do the wetsanding as it makes the world of a difference on anything polished.

Just so you know, be VERY careful when removing and/or putting new motherboards/equipment in the case. It will get damaged very easy. Over the 2 years i had my V1000, i polished the inside a good 4-5 times because it would get a small little scratch and you would need to redo the entire thing over again so it would remain a flat looking surface.

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Originally Posted by Nazu

All those polished Lian Li's have got me thinking that maybe I should polish my P160W :eek: You guys have just used very fine wet sandpaper and some kind of polishing compound?

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for case interiors ya that is all that is really needed. If you are talking about the exterior most cases (with the exception of Cooler Masters) have a clear coating outside which would need to be stripped off first. I tried doing a Super Lanboy, after 8 hours i gave up because i couldn't get the clear coat off.

Hmm.... this makes me want to polish up my CoolerMaster ATC-200....

I have some nice pneumatic tools that would do a killer job polishing my aluminum case.

Awesome polishing job, I had to do a double take on the last picture! :D

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Originally Posted by lowfat

I am glad you took the time and decided to do the wetsanding as it makes the world of a difference on anything polished.

Just so you know, be VERY careful when removing and/or putting new motherboards/equipment in the case. It will get damaged very easy. Over the 2 years i had my V1000, i polished the inside a good 4-5 times because it would get a small little scratch and you would need to redo the entire thing over again so it would remain a flat looking surface.

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Newspaper over the polished surface while working on it? :confused:

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Originally Posted by Dark Prodigy

having a custom cut mirror made sort of takes away from the overall effort and purity of the mod.

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You got it wrong, you can buy a mirror in a local hardware store and you can cut it to the right size with a dremel and engrave you name in it or something with the dremel again. The coolest part is when you put CCFL's under the mirror the letters pop out pretty sweet. Maybe the polishing looks cleaner but the mirror looks a thousand times cooler with the CCFL's. And you can't really see effort, I bet your mates will think it was already polished in the factory. :chicken:

Nice work

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Originally Posted by .Logic

Awesome polishing job, I had to do a double take on the last picture! :D



Newspaper over the polished surface while working on it? :confused:

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i guess that would work :)

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Originally Posted by MichelinGuy

You got it wrong, you can buy a mirror in a local hardware store and you can cut it to the right size with a dremel and engrave you name in it or something with the dremel again.

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There's nothing wrong about my assessment at all. Basically it boils down to our individual preferences. I don't like adding anything to cases, but would rather enhance the natural lines and beauty inherent to Lian-Li or any other case I may buy.

In my opinion, those types of additions are tacky and tasteless. And the last thing I'd do is engrave my name in my PC, a family crest or business logo would be much more elegant and NOT on a mirror at the bottom of a case.

It all boils down to what we think is best and what best reflects our character.

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Originally Posted by lowfat

I am glad you took the time and decided to do the wetsanding as it makes the world of a difference on anything polished.

Just so you know, be VERY careful when removing and/or putting new motherboards/equipment in the case. It will get damaged very easy. Over the 2 years i had my V1000, i polished the inside a good 4-5 times because it would get a small little scratch and you would need to redo the entire thing over again so it would remain a flat looking surface.

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You're right, it does make a world of difference. And trust me I've been taking serious precautions so I won't spoil the finish as I'm building.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by .Logic

Awesome polishing job, I had to do a double take on the last picture! :D

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Originally Posted by Bei Fei

Nice work

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Thanks for the compliments. Just if people were wondering, my inspiration comes from admiring elegantly designed PC's such as VoodooPC. May not be anyones favorite on these forums because of their astronomical prices and many prefer to build rather than buy, but you'd hard-pressed to find a more classy integrator.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...pen2resize.jpg

This is what I was trying to emulate.

Well you did a great job emulation it :)

Looks awesome :clap:

I just wonder if you guys have any buffing scratches left on the finish stage because I can never get rid of the buffing scratches. I use Autosol metal polish. What polish paste do you guys use? Do you guys use hand buffing or machine buffing? The most important is how do you guys get rid of the fine scratches (buffing scratches)?

Thanks!

ide recommend using 1000 gritt, 1500 grit al the way upto 2000 grit.
then use some polish / buffin

would love to git my hands on a Voodoo Rage cage... damn...

nice work!

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Originally Posted by tinha_net

I just wonder if you guys have any buffing scratches left on the finish stage because I can never get rid of the buffing scratches. I use Autosol metal polish. What polish paste do you guys use? Do you guys use hand buffing or machine buffing? The most important is how do you guys get rid of the fine scratches (buffing scratches)?

Thanks!

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I'll take the question being the OP of this thread ;) . Assuming that you have done the proper preparation of the metal, that being making sure its a very flat surface using multiple stages of wet-sanding e.g. 800-1000-1500-2000 grit. Use only light pressure and let the sandpaper do the work and use LOTS of water.

When applying paste for buffing, use only medium pressure and use a soft terry towel because you can make fine scratches as you apply the polish. Make sure you use a microfiber cloth when remove polish - especially in the final stages.

Depending on the area you can hand buff or use an electric polisher.. medium speed & pressure so you won't burn through the polish.

This is what I used for the final metal polishing...
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...DSC_0009_6.jpg


Mothers™ Billet Metal Polish. Its very pricey for this small - $20 USD - 4oz can, but you don't need much of it. And I've rtried alot of other stuff and this is the best I can recommend. Remember, take your time and don't rush and it'll turn out super nice.

Hey Dark Prodigy, thank you very much for the tips! Do you use all hand buff for the final stage and should there be any fine scratch in the finished surface?

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Originally Posted by tinha_net

Hey Dark Prodigy, thank you very much for the tips! Do you use all hand buff for the final stage and should there be any fine scratch in the finished surface?

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Your welcome =). Since the areas that I polish are relatively small, I hand buff.

Metal is not as forgiving as paint. Your prep of the metal needs to be near flawless in order to not have any very fine scratches, sometimes its unavoidable. However, they can be diminshed greatly by knowing the amount of pressure (usually medium/light) to use both on wet-sanding AND applying and removing polish.

Make sure you use a microfiber cloth and not a terry cloth for the removal of the polish - hard fibers and lint WILL leave fine scratches, spoiling your mirror quality finish. The more you do it, the more saavy you'll become.

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Originally Posted by Dark Prodigy

Your welcome =). Since the areas that I polish are relatively small, I hand buff.

Metal is not as forgiving as paint. Your prep of the metal needs to be near flawless in order to not have any very fine scratches, sometimes its unavoidable. However, they can be diminshed greatly by knowing the amount of pressure (usually medium/light) to use both on wet-sanding AND applying and removing polish.

Make sure you use a microfiber cloth and not a terry cloth for the removal of the polish - hard fibers and lint WILL leave fine scratches, spoiling your mirror quality finish. The more you do it, the more saavy you'll become.

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Yeah I bought a microfiber cloth especially for this polishing project. I will just take my time and hand buff for the rest of the finish stage.

Thanks again =)

This thread is making me want to go wax my car lol...

That's incredible! Nice job.

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Originally Posted by coolmiester

If you think thats hard work you want to try polishing a whole Wavemaster :yepp:

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WOW :shocked:

Man... this thread makes me want to buy a VooDoo system.

i'm impressed

Nice work guys! Anyone have any experience working with mirrored plexiglass? (for the lazy amongst us :ROTF: ) McMaster-Carr has some just under 1/8" and 1/4" thick plexi with mirrored finish that might work well blinging out the inside of a case.

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Originally Posted by MichelinGuy

Why don't you just place a mirror on the bottom?
http://www.casejunkies.com/images/ar...cture_6093.jpg

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Now that my good man makes much more sense!

I was going to write hay don't stop now . A little more elbo grease and you could get a mirror like finish. Very pleased to see that YOU said to self Hay I am half assing it.

Looks great now. I made a lot of money doing aluminium wheels for 18 wheelers. But I thought a few were a little off on the time required to do the job.

As for mirrors on an aluminium case thats lazy- Unless your going for some sort of illusion were angles of refraction mean everthing.

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Originally Posted by quicksilverXP

Man... this thread makes me want to buy a VooDoo system.

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Hi all I am new and this is my first post.

The first time I saw the VooDoo System :eek: basically made me want to get into computers and modding.

I found this link on YOUTUBE that shows more highend on how to polish out aluminum. LINK http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuPTM...elated&search=

Also I personally use a pool acid type of cleaner at my work and do a quick wipe of the aluminum followed by a wet rag. Using the acid takes out the oxidation from the ulminum then I polish it out. Makes it easier on my old elbows.
I work for a Major Gas company driving a fuel truck in L.A for a living. I know polishing.:p:

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Originally Posted by zerazax

This thread is making me want to go wax my car lol...

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if you have some gonads, you can always wetsand it with HIGH grit (ie. 2000+), then polish it.

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Originally Posted by Turtle 1

I was going to write hay don't stop now . A little more elbo grease and you could get a mirror like finish. Very pleased to see that YOU said to self Hay I am half assing it.

Looks great now. I made a lot of money doing aluminium wheels for 18 wheelers. But I thought a few were a little off on the time required to do the job.
.

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Thanks. =) Nothing like being honest with yourself..and it was true, I was half-assing. Now I'm more than satisfied with my work.

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As for mirrors on an aluminium case thats lazy-

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My sentiments EXACTLY. I see no advantage to this other than not spending the time and effort. I'm just not into tacky mods like that. Bringing out the inherent beauty in a case is alot more satisfying and attractive.

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Originally Posted by Lu(ky

Hi all I am new and this is my first post.

The first time I saw the VooDoo System :eek: basically made me want to get into computers and modding.


Also I personally use a pool acid type of cleaner at my work and do a quick wipe of the aluminum followed by a wet rag. Using the acid takes out the oxidation from the ulminum then I polish it out. Makes it easier on my old elbows.
I work for a Major Gas company driving a fuel truck in L.A for a living. I know polishing.:p:

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Welcome to the forums =) :welcome:

You and I are similiar as far as VooDoo PC's go. They impressed me like no other system builder and was the catayst for me getting into PC modding and building, they take case design and integration to an unparalled level. Now, I'm not satisfied with any build unless its super clean and manicured and I don't understand why other boutique builders aren't as articulate as VooDoo -all other boutique builders are simply a far second in my opinion.

Interesting concept on the acid, that may be a little more than what casual modders are willing to risk.. :yepp:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lu(ky

Hi all I am new and this is my first post.

The first time I saw the VooDoo System :eek: basically made me want to get into computers and modding.

I found this link on YOUTUBE that shows more highend on how to polish out aluminum. LINK http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuPTM...elated&search=

Also I personally use a pool acid type of cleaner at my work and do a quick wipe of the aluminum followed by a wet rag. Using the acid takes out the oxidation from the ulminum then I polish it out. Makes it easier on my old elbows.
I work for a Major Gas company driving a fuel truck in L.A for a living. I know polishing.:p:

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I found the prep cleaner/acid to remove the oxidation from the aluminum. Its called MAGIC MIX after you clean area with this stuff wipe it down with a wet rag, then use any polish you want to polish out. I am telling you guys it saves you half the time with this stuff. I just got done polishing some stuff inside my new case amazing..

LINK: http://www.rvupgradestore.com/index....PROD&ProdID=85

I'm just going to pretend I never saw this.
There's heaps still to do in my build but will I ever be satisfied now?

Very nice, DP!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lu(ky

I found the prep cleaner/acid to remove the oxidation from the aluminum. Its called MAGIC MIX after you clean area with this stuff wipe it down with a wet rag, then use any polish you want to polish out. I am telling you guys it saves you half the time with this stuff. I just got done polishing some stuff inside my new case amazing..

LINK: http://www.rvupgradestore.com/index....PROD&ProdID=85

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Found a guy reselling that here in australia.
I think I'll give it a go.

Nothing is finer than a Lian-Li.

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Originally Posted by Jedda

I'm just going to pretend I never saw this.
There's heaps still to do in my build but will I ever be satisfied now?

Very nice, DP!

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Originally Posted by Jedda

I think I'll give it a go.

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Thanks =). When you do, make sure you post some pics so we can all share in admiring it. :up:

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Originally Posted by Danger30Q

Nothing is finer than a Lian-Li.

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Well said... :yepp:

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Originally Posted by Danger30Q

Nothing is finer than a Lian-Li.

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Hmm, maybe?

How about two Lian-Li bolted together?

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How about two Lian-Li bolted together?

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supermodel?

Definitely a good job :)

i sanded my my middle divider in my lian li v2000 started @ 800 move up to 1200,1500 then 2000...

Took me a good 2hours of work....sanding done moving onto polishing....

It's still far from mirror finish....

I hope i did it correctly...I made sure there was plenty of clean water...added dishwashing liquid and Stayed on each grit for about 25mins....

well i'll get onto the polishing now...

cheers

ok after 2 hour's of polishing it's not even near a nice mirror finish..

Dark prodigy how long did it take to get your finish??