Aluminum Frame Finish Options?

[1911isGOAT]

Looking at potentially grabbing a Colt Lightweight Commander and doing a build with it. One of the things I'd like to do is get the front strap checkered, however, that would necessitate a frame refinish. I'm wanting some kind of high polished black finish, similar to royal blue. Given that it's an aluminum frame though and blueing wont work, what are my options and who can do it?

[pacrat]

This might work for your purpose.

https://images.nicindustries.com/cerakote/documents/239/h-300-dt20200901212203308.pdf?1617749902&_gl=1*1fx0aly*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3NzEwNTQ0OTkuRUFJYUlRb2JDaE1JcmFibmc3ellrZ01WTkNORUNCMjlZVGd2RUFRWUFpQUJFZ0oyYXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*MTM1Njk4MjMzMi4xNzcxMDU0NDk5*_ga*NDY4NjI2MzA2LjE3NzEwNTQ0OTk.*_ga_KPM5Q2PRTX*czE3NzEwNTQ0OTkkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzEwNTQ0OTkkajYwJGwwJGgxNzA4MzM0ODI5

I have no personal experience with this product. But have heard many goods things.

Another option would be [anodizing]. Which can be done as DIY also, but a much more complicated [electro-plating process]. It creates a oxidation resistant passive oxide coating. And can be done in a myriad of colors.

[recpark99]

Cerakote

[ar15barrels]

Looking at potentially grabbing a Colt Lightweight Commander and doing a build with it. One of the things I'd like to do is get the front strap checkered, however, that would necessitate a frame refinish. I'm wanting some kind of high polished black finish, similar to royal blue. Given that it's an aluminum frame though and blueing wont work, what are my options and who can do it?

Polishing and then black anodizing is what you want.
The polishing is required before the anodizing as the anodizing will color the underlying polish to emulate bluing.

[hermosabeach]

Many firearms are Hard Anodized - Type 2 or even type 3 - as it provides a hardness to prevent scratches and provides surface hardness.

There are a lot of Aerospace anodizing shops that have a side business for firearms.

I am not an engineer- There can be challenges re anodizing parts as the coating does penetrate the metal. Whomever you hire, discuss the cosmetic outcome you should expect before you do the work