Polished Aluminum Enclosure Finishing

[Bio77]

Hi All,

I just received in the mail today a polished aluminum enclosure from Small Bear.  I wasn't expecting it to look so nice!  It looks like a mirror. 

I plan on applying a clear waterslide decal for the graphics.  I normally finish my enclosures with a few coats of water based Polycrylic (Minwax), but I'm worried it will dull the finish.  Does anyone have advice?

[stringsthings]

If the bottom is polished, you could use it for testing purposes.

[Bio77]

Thanks, good idea.

[gordo]

That was my concern when I got one was applying a decal and clear coat without buggering up the cool finish.  I never figured it out and used it for a simple build with no artwork.  Would be perfect for a laser etch but ironically the laser would have a bitch of a time because of the reflection.  A CNC/mill would be a cool option but all of the above are stupid expensive...