Interesting post. The pictures of the mold look actually like my Caney Creek Molds from Jason & the same from Do-it. They don't do any kind of metal finishing to the mold before sending it out. so the side is actually like the raw aluminum stock; just as Frank has said. of the molds I have bought most companies do this. Bass Tackle (only one) thats seems to run a red or green belt sander over their sides to make them look nice. Its been years since i have metal finished anything. If you don't like the look I'm sure a red scotch bright from 3M would make your mold look nice.