A friend has some AR15 and AR10 receivers that are raw aluminum. He is not wanting to send them out to be anodized, what is the best home method for finishing them? I have done several bolt action rifles (steel and stainless steel) with KG guncoat, and have a small gun and heater box to cure the KG. But using that much heat on aluminum (kg recommends 300degrees for an hour) seems like too much. What are you doing to finish aluminum????
AR receiver finish???
- Thread starter ebb
- Start date
Cerakote, duracoat, or alumahyde. I have 3 ARs that were professionally cerakoted for $150 a piece. He baked them. Didn’t mess anything up. Just follow manufacturers suggestions and they’ll be alright.
hpshooter
Gold $$ Contributor
I have cured Guncoat at the recommended temperatures on a S&W model 38 aluminum framed revolver with no problems. Pocket holster carry and the finish last about 6 years and it is ready for its 3rd refinish.
Think about all the light gauge cookie sheets, cake pans and pizza pans that encounter higher temperatures and last very long with no distortion. The AR receiver is more robust than a cookie sheet.
Think about all the light gauge cookie sheets, cake pans and pizza pans that encounter higher temperatures and last very long with no distortion. The AR receiver is more robust than a cookie sheet.
Dusty Stevens
Shiner
Aint gonna hurt nothin
I would send it out to get Hard Coat Anodized to get the protection and wear it provides. It doesn't cost all that much. Then paint it if you want to change the color.
jelenko
Gold $$ Contributor
Can brake cleaner be used instead of Tru Strip to degrease the surface?
What areas of an upper [flat top] and lower would you tape off? I'm thinking for the upper to tape off everything inside of the upper. And, not paint any of the parts - e.g., the take down pins and the moveable part of the forward assist.
For the lower, need to plug the holes for the take down pins - and not paint the parts - e.g., bolt catch lever and release.
What areas of an upper [flat top] and lower would you tape off? I'm thinking for the upper to tape off everything inside of the upper. And, not paint any of the parts - e.g., the take down pins and the moveable part of the forward assist.
For the lower, need to plug the holes for the take down pins - and not paint the parts - e.g., bolt catch lever and release.
Bill Rodolph
Silver $$ Contributor
I use KG on aluminum on a regular basis. No problems
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