Author Topic: blackening aluminium  (Read 15040 times)

Offline jcs0001

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blackening aluminium
« on: May 24, 2011, 10:39:45 PM »
Gents:

I would like to give a dull black finish to a very small piece of aluminium - it won't be subjected to much wear.

I've heard of aluminium black and wonder if anyone has tried it or if you have other ideas.  I don't really want to get into anodizing or powder coating at this time - have very little room for more equipment.

Keep in mind I live in Canada and some products just aren't that easy to come by (or the shipping is a killer).

I'd describe the item but it would be under the ballistics section so will leave it at that.

Thank you,

John.

Offline dickda1

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Re: blackening aluminium
« Reply #1 on: May 24, 2011, 11:34:36 PM »
I don't own a gun, but owners of these devices have been obsessed with metal finishes for a long time.  You might check out "bluing" at the following site:
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/cid=0/k=bluing/t=P/ksubmit=y/f_a=25/Products/All/search=bluing

The darkening of the aluminum with these products is not substantial (like that produced by hard anodizing and subsequent coloring), but it does the job.  It does not hide poor finishes or machining marks.

Parkerizing is another option, but probably more complex than you need.

-Dick
« Last Edit: May 24, 2011, 11:56:39 PM by dickda1 »
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Offline Lew_Merrick_PE

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Re: blackening aluminium
« Reply #2 on: May 25, 2011, 10:14:20 AM »
John -- How about a painted finish?  Epoxy or acrylic paints are often available at the local hobby shop.

Offline jcs0001

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Re: blackening aluminium
« Reply #3 on: May 25, 2011, 10:51:39 PM »
Dick and Lew:

I did find the birchwood casey aluminium black on the brownell's site and may be able to find it locally.  Will likely try a flat black spray paint that I have in hand - the price is right and it shouldn't be hard to remove it I ever have to do so.

Thanks for the ideas.

John.

Offline bry1975

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Re: blackening aluminium
« Reply #4 on: June 29, 2011, 02:22:57 PM »
What about PVD/Physical Vapor Deposition satin black?  :D

Offline jcs0001

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Re: blackening aluminium
« Reply #5 on: June 29, 2011, 05:52:26 PM »
I've never heard of PVD (sounds like a serious disease)!


John.

Offline raynerd

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Re: blackening aluminium
« Reply #6 on: June 29, 2011, 06:13:26 PM »
I know you said you didn`t want to try anodizing but for a small part it could be done fairly easily!!

Offline bry1975

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Re: blackening aluminium
« Reply #7 on: June 29, 2011, 06:22:36 PM »
Oops should've said anodizing but PVD would work.