ORIGINAL: trumpetman
Deadcell. If you have an air compressor. Harbor Freight has a sand blaster for 20.00 bucks.
I got a really nice light gray bead finish using fine sand. It is the way to go.
Abrasive blasting will leave a nice finish on your aluminum parts.
It will also get into everything and everywhere you may not want it.
Be sure to surgically clean everything exposed to this process as,
any hidden grit may find it’s way into your bearings and cylinder bore.