Correct Bluing.......
I am starting with a AR kit and noticed that the lower has a gray color to it and my upper color is black. When I place them side by side, it is really noticeable. Would it be ok to use something like Birchwood Casey bluing/flat black on the lower or how should I handle this? Thanks for the help.......James
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Your lower is probably aluminum, so it won't blue.
I'd bet that your finish is parkerized and not blued at all.
If you want both halves to match, use Duracoat or similar on top of your park ...0 -
Your UR & LR are aluminum, your barrel is steel. The finishes applied by different manufacturers varies, as different processes are used. Aluminum can be anodized or painted, not parkerized.
If you wanted to have your parts match in color, you should have bought a complete rifle. You can paint parts now if you want, but the results will likely look worse.
Neal0 -
Thanks to both of you for the quick replies. Looks like I am going Duracote. I think that would be the best choice. Appreciate the help..... 0 -
quote:Originally posted by ATO5283
Thanks to both of you for the quick replies. Looks like I am going Duracote. I think that would be the best choice. Appreciate the help.....
With Duracoat, be sure that your parts are very, very clean before you spray on the finish. Removing all the grease and dirt is the most important step. Wear rubber gloves when you handle the cleaned parts, and prepare yourself a little jig to hold them while you are spraying the finish.
An airbrush works best. Use three light coats 20 minutes apart if you heat cure at 110 degrees, or 2 hours apart if you air dry. The pot life of Duracoat is about 6 hours. If you spray too thick, your matte finish will turn out glossy, so go lightly.
You can buy a cheap airbrush at Harbor Freight for less than $20 (their "good" one only costs $50) and use canned propellant bought from any mail order or internet model building or art supply store. Hobby lobby has canned propellant, too. Clean the brush with lacquer thinner before the Duracoat sets up.
Do not coat the interior.0 -
Don't be discouraged by painting. Guns have used paint as a finish for hundreds of years. If it is done properly, it will look darned nice. [:)] Some people swear by Duracote, some like high temp engine paint, while I prefer high temp woodstove paint. YMMV. Preparation is critical. Make sure it is thoroughly degreased and de-oiled. Good luck. [:D] 0 -
Anodizing creates a textured surface which will hold paint better than a smooth one once it is thoroughly degreased. 0
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