Thanks BigJohn
My floor installation is complete! Good timing because it will be on the 401 to Quinte / Hay Bay on Friday night
I etched the diamond plate with Easy Off oven cleaner. The Lye in oven cleaner does a great job of attacking the shine. It took me about an hours start to finish; spray it on a section, wait two minutes, paper towel it off. I think I should have worn rubber gloves... no finger prints now
Once the etching was done I did two complete washes with Comet and a broom. So nice to be able to clean the floor with a hose!
While I have not fished with it yet I am confident that the etched aluminum will not be too bright or hot. I was able to lay on the floor in the full sun (working on stuff) and it was not objectionable. This may change in 36 degree weather...
Also, the diamond plate is not slippery when wet! I am very satisfied with the traction wearing running shoes. This may change with fish slime all over it but the easy cleaning will resolve that. I will be adding a snap-in carpet.
Here are some pictures of etching and the final product.
Attachment:
14 etching floor (Medium).jpg
Here is a comparison with a new piece of diamond plate. Wife says the floor is now fugly
Attachment:
15 Floor etched (Medium).jpg
I noticed that the aluminum sheets did not etch exactly the same; apparently 4x8 vs 5x10 sheets have a slightly different allow. I think time will give it a nice patina; for now no burnt retinas or up-skirts!