AR Tips - Some Tricks of the Trade

[andrews10]

You mentioned some scratches on your receiver!
If your receiver is the standard dark anodizing here is how to touch up those scratches. It will not take care of any gouges but will do a great job on the cosmetic finish. We use this technique in our schools.

Using one of the Small Ronson type torches that you can get from Wal-Mart, Lowes, Home Depot or a hardware for around $26.00. They refill with a cigarette lighter refill canister and three or four various tips. We do not use any of the tips when performing the below operation. The one I have is made by Ronson. Here is how it goes:
1. Use Break and Parts Cleaner or Gun Scrubber on the area to remove all lube.
2. Use Birchwood Casey Aluma-Black Metal Finish
3. Use a Que-tip to apply when ready to touch up
4. Hold the torch aprox. 3" away from the Receiver *Do not over heat!
5. Warm the area with the torch while applying the Aluma-Black with the Que-
tip on the area.
6. Use the torch to reheat the area while applying the Aluma-Black and then
repeat this process until you are satisfied with the finish repair.
* Once again do not over heat the area.
But by heating the surface it opens up the pores in the metal and allows the
Aluma-Black to be absorbed by the T-6 aluminum.
7. Apply lube to the finished area since it will be totally absent of any lube
when you are finished.
Please PM me if you have any questions or are not clear on the procedures.

[WHSmithIV]

Out of curiosity, where do you get the Aluma-Black?

[Gaspipeshooter]

Out of curiosity, where do you get the Aluma-Black?

Brownells has it.

[JoshAston]

Some local gun shops and sometimes hardware stores carry it too

Heating the aluminum sounds like a good trick, thanks!

[Pyzik]

I've got one...

Going back to black rifle from a painted one?
After using brake cleaner (or whatever kind of cleaner) still have paint staining?
Use black shoe polish.

Below is my stock after being "FDE" for a while I wanted to go back to black. I used brake cleaner and scrubbed but just couldn't get it all off.
Used some black shoe polish and it worked like a charm. I "buffed" it good with a rag. No black on my face or hands while using the rifle either.
Has lasted all summer (through one class) and still looks good.

Before:


After (mostly done, anyway)

[Stickman]

Personally, I don't mind scratches. Gives it character.

[M. Gale]

Personally, I don't mind scratches. Gives it character.

Amen...

[Sak007]

Personally, I don't mind scratches. Gives it character.

I'd be more then happy to take any weapons without character you don't want , unless 594 makes this illegal now