Wheel Finish - How To?

[Jim Doak]

I had my Halibrand Cobra III wheel centers painted last summer. Had 'em painted a bright white. I'm not loving them and think that I'd like a natural, as-cast aluminum finish a lot better. They were originally a dark gray and I didn't like that either, that's why I went with the white.

Anyway...I'm thinking about sand blasting the centers to get the desired finish. I checked out the wheels on a local guy's ERA FIA that he's building and it has the finish I'd like. A nice, rough, unpainted aluminum center.

Question, how can I come close to getting that finish? The local firm that painted my wheels recommends glass beads but I'm afraid that that'd leave a too-smooth finish.

Any recommendations on what abrasive media that I should use?

Thanks.