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Best easy way to repair small scratches on Lian Li black Aluminum chassis?

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The chassis's side panel has a bump (there was a defect when the aluminum was folded), that made it hard to close the case properly.
I only realize it today after the machine has been assembled after a week, I didn't want to return the chassis for this reason so I used a plier to flatten the bump.

To so do, I put multilayers of foam between both side of the panel and the pliers to not leave scratches, but then I could still see some marks:
1597586970993.png


They are actually quite small and on a side that I don't get to see, but I wonder if there is anything I can apply to make them less apparent?
 
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I would try something what people use to remove scratches on cars. This or something similar.
 

sneekypeet

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To me it looks less like scratches, and possibly something left behind from the foam.

Not sure compound would work as it will be a pain to get out of the hairline finish of the aluminum. I would try alcohol first and see if it comes off (if it isn't scratches). If it truly is scratches, you are going to need to color it with something to match the aluminum, otherwise you will be left with exposed aluminum with anything you try to remove scratches with.

Your best bet is to get ahold of Lian Li, explain the situation, and ask for a replacement panel.
 
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Thanks for the advice, part of it was left over of the foam, but others looks like scratched as I could feel the metal roughness on touch.
I could try contacting Lian Li, but now it’s partly my fault so I am not sure if they will help, though I can also show them the manufacturing defect which is now a partly repaired. (Spent me a whole afternoon to understand why the case does not close properly)
 

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Thanks for the advice, part of it was left over of the foam, but others looks like scratched as I could feel the metal roughness on touch.
I could try contacting Lian Li, but now it’s partly my fault so I am not sure if they will help, though I can also show them the manufacturing defect which is now a partly repaired. (Spent me a whole afternoon to understand why the case does not close properly)

You were attempting to fix a damaged part. Just be honest in your request. Worst they can say is no.
 
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If a return request fails which I think it will, just ask a local auto body repair shop if they can do anything. Personally I wouldn't bother.
I'm still staring at that big scratch I put on the front of my my Tt case a while back, thinking of putting a sticker over it and leaving it at that.
 
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You were attempting to fix a damaged part. Just be honest in your request. Worst they can say is no.

Thanks for the suggestion, as adviced I contacted Lian Li and now waiting for their reply.
I sent them the picture shared here, and told them the full story. I might have to take the side panel off again (lots of work as it is in a crowded spot) to show them the bump, though I have it flatten a bit comparing to before, it still looks bumped up comparing to the bottom corner.

If a return request fails which I think it will, just ask a local auto body repair shop if they can do anything. Personally I wouldn't bother.
I'm still staring at that big scratch I put on the front of my my Tt case a while back, thinking of putting a sticker over it and leaving it at that.

LOL, I don't really worry about it as much as I was 10 years ago with my first Lian Li case.
I have had so far 5 Lian Li cases (A75, A76, Q35, Q04, B25S) in total and I dare say none of them has an obvious scratch - I pay extra attention in handling, always wearing nitrile gloves and put them on carpet or foam sheets.

Just a pity to me that the case would have looked like new after another decade if it wasn't for my mistake here. So I kind of wonder if I can paint it somehow to just make less easy to see haha
 
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go in with straight up polishing compound and cotten/wool attached to dremel or pneumatic grinder. degrease it first. start with the finest method and work backwards to harsher methods. if polishing doesnt work, and the paint isnt too far gone, then use 2000 grit sandpaper and repolish. then 1500 grit ect. hopefully its not anodized aluminum.
 

sneekypeet

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Issue is with any form of polishing is that it will remove the anodized black color as well. In essence, you will only make things worse.
 
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Power Supply Corsair AX1600i
Software Proxmox 6.2
Update: They actually got back to me today, and agree to send me a replacement immediately. I never had to contact Lian-Li so I never knew they were this nice!
 
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For future reference, Lian-Li's black aluminum IS anodized that color, and the closest match you can probably get is with a black magic marker and a bunch of practice/patience. "Experts" in "Finishes" such as auto body shops typically can't help, because the only "correct" method is to strip the entire panel and re-anodize it.
 
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