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question about AR-15 factory finishes

steve45
I have some early AR-15 uppers from Colt and Olympic Arms that are a parkerized green color. I would like to get flattop receivers that are the same finish. All the flattop receivers seem to be Mil-spec Black now. What is the name of the green early finish and do they make flattop receivers in that color anymore? Thanks for the help
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Comments

6 comments

Date Votes
  • Mobuck
    Getting matching colors/finishes is difficult unless both upper and lower are from the same maker at about the same time.
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  • armilite
    I would first contact Nodak Spud as they specialize in retro AR's. If they can't help you do an internet search of companies that specialize in parkerizing/anodizing. Any company that does that can match your upper to a flat top upper in the color you desire. I seem to remember a company called Texas Plating. I'm not sure if they are still around. There was also another company I believe in S. Carolina that sold do it yourself parkerizing solution in the Shotgun News. Now if I remember right only steel can be parkerized and aluminum has to be anodized. Somebody will be around to correct me if I'm wrong.
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  • rsnyder55
    Or you can cerokote the upper and lower.
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  • steve45
    Thanks everybody
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  • beantownshootah
    quote:Originally posted by armilite
    Now if I remember right only steel can be parkerized and aluminum has to be anodized. Somebody will be around to correct me if I'm wrong.


    I believe you can Parkerize iron too, but this is essentially correct. Aluminum is anodized; it can't be truly parkerized.

    As mentioned, getting a good color match of parts from different manufacturers is tough, and that's why lots of builders who want to mix and match parts just go with black, and also why most of the companies putting out receivers just do black.

    If you "have to" external finishes can be used to match pretty much any color you can imagine, though doing it right may not be cheap and you may have to settle for a "good" match, instead of a "perfect" one.

    In your case, what you're looking for is some color that simulates the old green parkerized/patina look.

    I know Duracoat offers several finishes that replicate various shades of park/green. You may find one that is a decent fit; see here:

    http://www.houtsenterprises.net/dur_all_colors.html
    http://www.houtsenterprises.net/dur_all_colors2.html

    Brownell's offers a "gunkote" in OD green that may (or may not) simulate what you are looking for, plus it has its "alumahyde" in OD and two shades of Parkerizing gray.
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  • Joes Custom Guns
    You could have the complete Gun HYDRO-Dipped in any of 135 colors.
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