I've been running different anodizing samples using various settings, but before I show off my results I wanted to see a few original photos. Maybe some of you have some original uppers on nodak lowers .etc so that I can see any distinctive difference.



For example, I thought this might be a good one to go by since it was not likely used much in the field

Tech, I'm not sure how you could ever "trust" what a color actually is, in a photo. I can take three or four pics of the same AR, using different camera settings and/or lighting, and each one will look different from the other.

Natural light (sunlight) photos are what I'm looking for.
I'm working under the assumption that they did not dye the aluminum. Reason being is that it isn't necessary to dye aluminum to get the results I see when looking at original parts. Also when wear and aging thins the oxide layer you get a gold tint which is what I've seen on worn receivers. So I feel like that I should have a good match considering the likely methods of the era.
What I have not been able to do is precisely match the reproductions I have. For example, I see a very light blue/purple tint to the reproduction upper and lower I have on my 603. Where my current method of anodizing does not have this tint.




I am simply changing the oxide layer thickness to go from bare aluminum to dark grey, and thus for this hasn't produced exact matching with the reproductions. Now they could have used additives I'm not privy to that could contribute to different tints.
 

Think you're going to find that original authentic colors varied from batch to batch and lowers and uppers were done seperately IMO.  Seldom did original uppers and lowers actually color match on USGI weapons stuff anyway.  Nature of the beast.  More concerned about  production numbers and actual hard anodizing that color match like on sporting weapons.  Civilian pieces may have been better matched especially later in time.

Well put, still got to decide on which calcs/settings to go with I've got options so I want to be as objective as possible by at least looking at some good photos.



 

Are you doing this in a home setting or a shop setting?

If it's a home setup, care to share any insights in to how you're doing Type III?

I've spent close to $2,000 on the setup, not exactly doing it for profit yet lol.



 

If you're trying to color match off a photo it might be best to take the photo with an 18% grey card as used for photographic color balancing in the photo as a reference, maybe a white card also.

I have an upper from one of the somewhat-recent surplus batches as well as a Colt flattop upper that was toward the end of the "dark grey" color era, I can get both of those in a photo in a day or two.

I have some stuff I could mail you to look at and compare if you like. I can send some full light pics too. Lots of grays, but I think the majority of us are happy with any shade!

Matt

I agree.  Find something that you like thats close and write it down for later batches.  



 

Matt I posted a new thread with a simple test that can be done that would be a great help if I can find out if they are dyed or not. Probably gonna move most of the discussion over into it now.





http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_123/694937_Insights_into_colt_xm_grey_hardcoat_anodizing_seen_in_Vietnam.html