Laser Pointer Forums - Discuss Laser Pointers | High Power Lasers

I received my Aluminum plate today but noticed it isn't very nice looking. Some sides have different colors, while others even have grooves in them.

That being said, I went ahead and bought some metallic paint to help make it look a little nicer and was told this might reduce aluminum's ability to take heat away from the laser, which would make sense to me as this is a barrier between the metal-metal connection. Thing is, I left one side without any paint. Should I paint that as well or leave it as is to allow the laser head to sit against the metal itself?

Thanks,
Alex