Lian Li 1200 Inside Case Polishing

**Dark Prodigy** · 05-18-2007, 10:56 PM

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.

**G H Z** · 05-19-2007, 01:05 AM

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

**lowfat** · 05-19-2007, 07:34 AM

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.....

and another one, although it is too crowded to see the detail.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...nternals-1.jpg

**Xion X2** · 05-19-2007, 07:45 AM

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

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.

**AndyM** · 05-19-2007, 09:46 AM

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

**Dark Prodigy** · 05-19-2007, 10:02 AM

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.

**Dark Prodigy** · 05-25-2007, 10:41 AM

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.

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?

**JayG30** · 05-25-2007, 10:58 AM

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?

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

**lowfat** · 05-25-2007, 11:17 AM

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.

correct. Always use lots of CLEAN water when polishing.

**Nightcreeper** · 05-25-2007, 12:42 PM

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

). Looks great though.... gave me some ideas.

**coolmiester** · 05-25-2007, 01:57 PM

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

**lowfat** · 05-25-2007, 04:13 PM

Originally Posted by coolmiester

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

that sir, is a piece of art.

**Dark Prodigy** · 05-25-2007, 07:36 PM

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

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...

**lawrywild** · 05-26-2007, 01:50 AM

Wow, that wavemaster looks so good

**Dark Prodigy** · 05-26-2007, 12:34 PM

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

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

Thanks for the advice folks. =)

**Dark Prodigy** · 06-12-2007, 02:39 PM

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:

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.

**bluep3ace** · 06-12-2007, 02:51 PM

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

**NickS** · 06-12-2007, 03:41 PM

Holy crap, amazing job!

**Chewbenator** · 06-12-2007, 06:51 PM

Originally Posted by NickS

Holy crap, amazing job!

Seconded.

**cozwin** · 06-13-2007, 03:00 AM

sometimes i worry where you guys get the time :P

**Levish** · 06-13-2007, 05:46 AM

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.

**MichelinGuy** · 06-13-2007, 08:22 AM

Why don't you just place a mirror on the bottom?

**Chewbenator** · 06-13-2007, 01:12 PM

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

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

**Ashraf** · 06-13-2007, 01:47 PM

Wow, that's amazing, guys!

**OpTioN** · 06-13-2007, 07:54 PM

that looks purely awesome, keep up the good work!

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

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