AL hard anodizing or similar BLACK finish

[mattnh]

Hi Guys,

I've got 2 small stock buttplates made from Aluminum that I've bead-blasted that need either a hard black anodize (or some other tough black finish).
Any suggestions on where I can send to have them redone for reasonable price?
Any finish suggestions for AL bedsides hard black anodizing?

-- Matt

 

[slimshady]

Powder coat them? I would think the anodizing would rub off a buttplate.

 

[Jones]

2nd on slimshady's anodizing wearing off post.
You might also consider DuraCoat. Once that stuff cures, it's pretty much permanent..

 

[trilogymac]

When I had my machine shop, we sent aluminum parts out for anodize regularly. That is the best coating for aluminum. M16 aluminum parts are all anodized, uppers, lowers buffer tubes etc.. My second choice would be cerakote. Although harder to apply, cerakote holds up much better than duracoat, powder coat or moly. Powder coat is pretty tough but usually goes on quite thick. I have had 1st hand experience with all of the above.

 

[Deerhurst]

Do a hard ano. It's pretty dang tough. make sure it's a hard ano, Type 3. Usually is only black mm or clear. The colored ano is basically visual only, no real protection.

Like anything else, with enough use powder coat, anodize, duracote, ect, will wear off.