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Posted: 4/16/2009 9:34:34 PM EDT
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Hello,
I am relatively new to the AR-15. I am currently in the process of my first build. And as I am putting it together I thought while completely dissembled why not give it the best coating possible. And by that I mean this is basically a SHTF type gun. So I want the best Scratch resistant, most durable, and if it has lubrication or eases cleaning great but primarily interested in protection/durability in a solid black color. As I said I am new so can someone give me a quick breakdown of suggestions/options out there to look into? Thanks so much in advance! |
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KG gunkote has a flat black that has PTFE (teflon) mixed into it. But if you're going to leave it black, there is no real reason to do anything to it since it is all anodized or parkerized black already.
See my commnets troughout this tread [URL=http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=6&f=19&t=277306][link][/URL] |
| I think the factory finish would be the best finish you could want. If you wanted cosmetics , well then, thats another story. Just leave it alone and shoot the hell out of it untill you get it all worn looking and then decide if you want to make it look new again ! Best of luck with the build !! |
| I carry my AR on my ATV all the time and it takes a beating. The parkerizing had worn thru in several locations within days, so I used some Duracoat flat black along with a matte clear from them and it has held up wonderfully. It is super easy to apply and will not come off(unless you use cleaners that contain Methaline chloride IIRC) If you use slip2000 or BreakFree lp and CLP it will be fine. it is also available now with a lubricating ingredient, but I havnt used that yet so I cant say if it is just as good or easy or not. |
| Well I think I may try the Duracoat. I have a CMMG upper and lower and I have not been unimpressed with the finish. It seems to scratch quite easily. My question then is this my CMMG lower and upper is supposed to have some sort of Teflon coating on it. How would i need to prepare the surface? Also think while I am at it I will just do the barrel so it all matches. Prepare that surface the same way? |
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Most upper/lower receivers have TYPE III HARD COAT ANODIZING. This layer grown out of the aluminum has a surface hardness greater than steel. BUT, its still a relatively thin layer over much softer aluminum, so it doesn't make your receiver as hard as a chunk of steel, it makes your receiver a chunk of aluminum with a thin steel coat. So, its much more scratch and ding resistant than just aluminum, but you can break/wear through the outer layer to expose the softer aluminum.
Anodizing can be colored before its sealed, less so with TYPE III hard anodizing. Teflon is often used in the final coat, NOT sure if that is mixed into the coloring added to the TypeIII hard coat or an additional coating over the anodizing. Another problem, with a frankegun, the upper and lower receivers may NOT match in the darkness of black or the sheen/flatness of the coatings. If you want to get them to match, Duracoat, KG gunkote or one of the other coatings can be used to make one consistent color if you want that. Another drawback on Duracoat, although it only takes a few days to fully dry, it takes 6 weeks to fully cure. I've seen it suggested to wait the entire 6 weeks before using the weapon or lubing/cleaning it to get the full chemical resistance and toughness of the coat. DO NOT KNOW, what the results will be if you expose it to chemicals/lubes/oils before the full 6 week cure, I'm sure people have and had NOT had a lot of trouble. |
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