My F150 has been ordered and I'd like to add a Diamondback tonneau cover. However it's made of shiney aluminum treadplate. What's the best way of removing the shine ? Sandblast might be too harsh ? Bead blast better or perhaps chemically ?

 

I have seen on the show Over Hauling they use a media of crushed pecan shells. They say it is much less abrasive than sand or bead blasting. You could also try to anodize it. That puts a flat grayish finish to it.

 

I got a response from Diamondback. They sent a photo of a sandblasted cover.This is done prior to applying the X-Line coating but it's not for looks only to get a better surface for the X-Line. I'm trying to find a local bead blaster.