Due to some unfortunate scratches my Graflex 2.0 suffered while I was making modifications to the bottom of the main housing, I was forced to re-sand the surface. Given the weight of the housing, I assumed it was nickel-plated brushed brass. I figured once I had the brushed-brass surface I could nickel plate it again. However, as I kept sanding, the brass never appeared, nor do I see brass in any of the additional holes I had drilled. Therefore, I started to suspect that it is stainless steel, given the heft of the housing. However, I conducted a quick test by passing a magnet over it with zero reaction. So, it is either non-magnetic stainless steel, or it is aluminum. It seems a bit heavy for aluminum, but I thought I would inquire as to whether anyone on here has any more information.
If it is stainless or aluminum, I am having difficulty sealing the metal/achieving juuust the right metal tone. I suspect that either there is some kind of metal treatment I have not considered or a sealer (i.e. varnish, lacquer, etc.) that I have not yet tested. The sanded bottom housing has a slightly brighter tone of silver, whereas the top (unaltered) housing is just a hint darker (more of the stainless steel fridge color). I have tried lacquer (with awful results) and polyurethane (which actually decently matched the tone of the top half of the housing). However, with both of these coatings, they scratched very easily and deeply. Upon closer inspection of the top housing, it appears that if there is a coating, it must be extremely thin.
Overall, I am seeking information from anyone that has any insight into the manufacturing process of the Graflex 2.0 housing. Any insight would be greatly appreciated and would alleviate some of my suffering
I will try to provide pictures this evening if that would help.