Amp Chassis Finishes/Colors

[StangLX718]

Hi,

Can anybody explain how Mojave gets there amp chassis this copper color?

http://mojaveampworks.com/amplifier-cra ... omponents/

Is it hammered paint? Or an anodizing process?

Is there any functional benefit to this process/color/finish? Or is it just aesthetics?

Regards,

Stang

[RB]

I bought a few 5E3 Chassis from Clark amplification 3 or 4 years ago that had this finish. I would call the color gold on the chassis I had but I think I have seen the finish in a copper tone. This is a powder coat finish and I don't remember what the call the texture - maybe antique veining or something like that. You should be able to Google powder coat colors and find it.

Regards
Randy

[StangLX718]

Thanks,

Is there any functional benefit from power coating a chassis if it's aluminum?

Regards,

Stang

I bought a few 5E3 Chassis from Clark amplification 3 or 4 years ago that had this finish. I would call the color gold on the chassis I had but I think I have seen the finish in a copper tone. This is a powder coat finish and I don't remember what the call the texture - maybe antique veining or something like that. You should be able to Google powder coat colors and find it.

Regards
Randy

[Cantplay]

Rustoleum 7362 copper hammertone paint.

John

[ToneMerc]

Rustoleum 7362 copper hammertone paint.

John

Yes, looks like it. I used the gray color on a SE amp chassis.

TM

[chief mushroom cloud]

Is there any functional benefit from power coating a chassis if it's aluminum?

durability and hides fingerprints?

[StangLX718]

Can you silk screen over that and bypass a faceplate?

[RB]

I cant speak to the functionality with any authority. I think time has proven most aluminum chassis do just fine for the most part. If it was a steel chassis powder coat is durable rust protection choice and much cheaper than chrome.

For me the finish speaks more to perception of quality - attention to detail - perceived value - custom built - fit and finish and other marketing oriented issues.

I know the first time i looked inside a Komet amp and saw the chassis and transformer end bells all matching hammertone I was totally impressed.

Two items come to mind than can be problematic:

You should identify all ground points and mask off if you are painting both sides of the chassis(with steel primarily I don't see the need to do both sides with aluminum). Removing the coating to get a good ground is a major hassle and time consuming.

The other item is silkscreen lettering on a textured finish. The texture is very coarse on most of the veined finishes I have seen and would be best to use panels rather than silkscreen. All these issues drive up cost and design/construction/material procurement times.

Regards
Randy

[selloutrr]

Once you cover the metal surface it is no longer conductive to the touch. I.e. you have to scrape away the coating to make ground. It's mostly just for looks. And to be different in a flooded market of Marshall and vox knock offs it all comes down to standing out just enough to get your money. Nice amps though.

[RB]

I have looked at the pics on the Mojave site and the pic that shows the bottom of the chassis with 9 pin socket is clearly a powder coat finish. I have been using hammertone finishes since the early 1960's and You just cant get that depth and type of veining.

Regards
Randy

[StangLX718]

Thanks Randy!

I have looked at the pics on the Mojave site and the pic that shows the bottom of the chassis with 9 pin socket is clearly a powder coat finish. I have been using hammertone finishes since the early 1960's and You just cant get that depth and type of veining.

Regards
Randy

[Structo]

Powder coating is much more durable than paint.

It is a baked on finish that is very hard.

Once you have to sand some off for a ground point you will know what I mean.

If I had the option between powder coat and paint I would choose powder coat every time.

[VacuumVoodoo]

I've gone all steel & power coat. No more dead trees in my amps!
I didn't know Mojave uses similar copper powder coat (mine is darker)

[Colossal]

Very nice Aleksander!

[billyz]

You can also try Alodyne. It actually improves the conductivity and resist corrosion. Very common in the Aircraft industry. But that finish is power coat , you can get a Hammertone like result.