| Howdy Alan,
When i worked at the transformer factory (the ones on poles, not the robots), we "shot blasted" (sand blasted) all the conductors, we used aluminum oxide and we also used a silica bead media. The aluminum oxide is more coarse and leaves the metals abit pitted, however it is a consistant pitting all over.
On the other hand, the silica beads or "glass beads" as we called them left a better finish, one that could be polished easily.
Now we used both of these materials on copper and aluminum as well as brass but, I know from my experience with painting an aluminum boat or two, you can "wipe it down" with vinegar before painting. The vinegar removes the osidation and allows the paint to stick.
So, i guess what i am trying to suggest would be for you to use either the silica shot (glass beads) or you might try the vinegar on the brass, I havent tried it, but it might work.
have a good day,
Greg |