Re-Blacking AR Aluminum > Build It Yourself

Posted: 7/11/2009 11:55:02 AM EDT

I had to remove some metal to get a Magpul MIAD trigger guard to fit a DMPS lower. Some shine is now visible. Ordinary cold blue, I think, will not stick to aluminum, and I have heard Birchwood Casey Aluminum Black can flake off. Any advice? Has anyone used BC Aluminum Black with decent results?

Posted: 7/11/2009 12:51:50 PM EDT

[#1]

Quoted:
I had to remove some metal to get a Magpul MIAD trigger guard to fit a DMPS lower. Some shine is now visible. Ordinary cold blue, I think, will not stick to aluminum, and I have heard Birchwood Casey Aluminum Black can flake off. Any advice? Has anyone used BC Aluminum Black with decent results?

I used some flat black Rustolium paint , in the very small can . Too soon to tell how long it will last .

But it was inexpensive and easy to re-apply , if needed .

I also bought the Birchwood Casey , but got the wrong product , the Super Black , in flat black . I think it too is just a paint , insteas of a chemical that turns the aluminum black ?

So I am also interested in a product review .

God bless
Wyr

Posted: 7/11/2009 1:05:30 PM EDT

[#2]

I used some Aluminum Black on a fairly large area of a flip up sight that had to be re-contoured just this past week. Frankly, I was amazed at how well it turned out. If it's a small area a Sharpie will work but requires the occasional re-touch.

Posted: 7/11/2009 9:11:02 PM EDT

[#3]

I've used Aluminum Black before too. As long as I do a _very_ thorough job of degreasing before hand (acetone), it seems to work just fine.

Posted: 7/11/2009 9:16:09 PM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:
I've used Aluminum Black before too. As long as I do a _very_ thorough job of degreasing before hand (acetone), it seems to work just fine.

+1

Posted: 7/11/2009 9:26:30 PM EDT

[#5]

another +1 for alum black

great stuff

Posted: 7/12/2009 5:01:14 AM EDT

[#6]

I've used birchwood casey stuff on hammer nicks where bare metal was showing, looks great hasn't flaked off. It's actually an acid of some sort that etches black into the shiny aluminum.

Posted: 7/12/2009 5:49:39 AM EDT

[#7]

i got the super black too, its a paint but it matches well

Posted: 7/12/2009 7:07:38 AM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:
I've used Aluminum Black before too. As long as I do a _very_ thorough job of degreasing before hand (acetone), it seems to work just fine.

That is the key to getting decent results. Along with multiple applications in some cases.

Posted: 7/12/2009 7:44:38 AM EDT

[#9]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I've used Aluminum Black before too. As long as I do a _very_ thorough job of degreasing before hand (acetone), it seems to work just fine.

That is the key to getting decent results. Along with multiple applications in some cases.

And do the blacking operation IMMEDIATELY after exposing the bare metal. Aluminum oxide forms on top of bare aluminum VERY quickly, and Aluminum Black does not stick to it worth crap. You may even want to clean the surface up with emery cloth just before degreasing to make sure that it's BARE aluminum you're treating.

Posted: 7/12/2009 8:49:56 AM EDT

[#10]

Ditto, I have used Aluminum Black with mixed results. Certain Aluminum Alloys blackens better and stronger than others. I haven't figured out which is best and which is worst.

Posted: 7/16/2009 12:19:52 PM EDT

[#11]

+1 for BC ALUMA BLACK. Degrease and Polish with emory like above. I also clean with Alcohol prior to blacking. Good luck!

Posted: 7/16/2009 2:44:53 PM EDT

[#12]

I've had much better results with acetone than with alcohol. YMMV.

Posted: 7/17/2009 6:52:52 PM EDT

[#13]

You can use this stuff "STA-BLACK."

http://www.iragreen.com/view/574/5421/

We use it in the Army to re-paint subdued rank insignia. It is very inexpensive and adheres to metal surfaces pretty well.

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