Is anodizing really necessary?

[rubyist]

I am starting to love the look of an 80% lower that still has its CNC machining marks scratched all over it (i.e. before being anodized, parkerized, etc). Bonus: They're cheaper like that. Bonus 2: You can point to the machining marks as a clear sign it was self-manufactured in case anyone gives you hassle about it being unserialized.

Is there any downside to leaving it like this? Would corrosive ammo be a bigger threat? Would it rust like this since it's just exposed aluminum? If it needs to be coated, is there any way to coat it so these marks show through? If the marks were visible through a black coating, that might be ideal for me.

[jfifer]

None of those worries are a problem. The only issue i can think of is if it is softer aluminum (6061) the holes and buffer can wear out over time. Antiwalk trigger pins would help though i love the raw look too.

[rubyist]

None of those worries are a problem. The only issue i can think of is if it is softer aluminum (6061) the holes and buffer can wear out over time. Antiwalk trigger pins would help though i love the raw look too.

Know of any thin black coating technique that would preserve the markings? Something other than anodizing, parkerizing, nickel boron, etc?

[jfifer]

Thin...black...coating.... Hmmm... Something is right there i jusy cant remember it right now. Something that was color and opaque i saw on arfcom forums... Damnit i am so annoyed. Ill look for it op.

[Ninety]

[tr6guns]

This is what I have used in the past..

http://lauerweaponry.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=925

[bslaney]

What about getting it clear anodized? You get both the look and protection that way.

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[peacedivision]

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/metal-prep-coloring/paint-finishes/air-cure-aerosol-paints/aluma-hyde-reg-ii-prod1117.aspx

[peacedivision]

Also you can't parkerize aluminum

[roflwizard]

Yes, it will rust.

A valid concern, since corrosive ammo is the industry norm for AR15's.

No, clear paint does not exist.

[m16]

No, aluminum will not rust.

It will oxidize though, forming a skin that actually protects the aluminum underneath.

A type 3 hard coating will come out dark grey or black.

Sure, you could do a clear type 2 coating but it won't be as hard.

[hermosabeach]

http://www.cerakoteguncoatings.com/finishes/MC-155FQ/

Aluminum will oxidize over time and use.

You might try the cerakote clear - Matt or gloss.

[SJgunguy24]

Yes, it will rust.

A valid concern, since corrosive ammo is the industry norm for AR15's.

No, clear paint does not exist.

No it will not "rust". It forms an oxide layer almost immediatly after cleaning.
That is why anytime I weld aluminum, it needs to be cleaned with a Stainless brush and acetone. If it sits for more than, say 15-30 minutes, it needs to be at least wiped with acetone again.

No, aluminum will not rust.

It will oxidize though, forming a skin that actually protects the aluminum underneath.

A type 3 hard coating will come out dark grey or black.

Sure, you could do a clear type 2 coating but it won't be as hard.

Actually Anodizing has no color, the parts are all dyed to get the color you see. The parts then need to be sealed to lock in the color.
The Anodizing gives you a hard coat finish which will protect the lower through it's life. Take something that is raw and something anodized like a flashlight. The surface of the flashlight will be much harder then the raw aluminum.

[rubyist]

Clear anodizing is an interesting idea. I had no idea that was possible. That will be the route I take if I can't figure out how to "stain" it.

I busted out Photoshop and made this image so you guys get an idea for what I mean by "staining" this thing black so that the marks show through. I have no idea if this is actually possible.



Is there any way to do this?

Maybe by mixing clear anodizing solution with black anodizing solution? Some special kind of spray? Light layer of metal-friendly black paint with a protective layer on top? Some chemical process with a protective layer on top?

[Krewztoe]

Well clear anodize is just anodizing it and not giving it any dye color! Black anodizing is when it gets anodized then dipped in a dye solution. My suggestion is getting a thin type II sulfuric anodize that one leaves a clearer coat than type III hard anodize