How do artists achieve a balance between opacity and reflectivity in aluminum figurative sculptures?

Artists achieve a delicate balance between opacity and reflectivity in aluminum figurative sculptures through a combination of material techniques and finishing processes. Aluminum's natural luster can be adjusted by mechanical polishing for high reflectivity or abrasive blasting for a matte, opaque appearance. Chemical treatments like anodizing allow for controlled oxidation, creating semi-reflective surfaces with depth. Patination introduces colored finishes that reduce glare while maintaining metallic character. Many sculptors layer these methods, using reflective areas to highlight contours and opaque sections to absorb light, creating dynamic contrasts. The thickness of applied finishes also plays a role—thin coatings preserve some reflectivity beneath opaque colors. This interplay transforms aluminum from a purely industrial material into a medium capable of nuanced artistic expression, where light interaction becomes part of the sculpture's narrative.