Aluminum smears

[Potashminer]

Has anyone come up with a way to remove aluminum smears on a rifle barrel, apparently caused by using bare aluminum inserts in a barrel vise - then having the assembly slip and turn while removing a milsurp receiver. I have started to use aluminum inserts myself - was advised to use a layer of computer printer paper and a dusting of rosin, and, so far, that seems to hold very solidly, even with a 3 foot pipe on the receiver wrench. Any "success stories" for removing those smears would be appreciated!

 

[*MALICE*]

A little bit of oil and a scotch brite pad used VERY lightly has worked for me in the past.

I stress the very lightly otherwise you'll remove the finish.

 

[remp49]

A bit of oil and the use of bronze wool should do it. The bronze wool will not scratch the metal finish. If a little bit of the aluminum smear remains, colour it black with Birchwood Casey Aluminum Black.

 

[Tactical Ordnance]

Spray it with the industrial purple cleaner from Home Depot. Scrub with a plastic tooth brush and rinse. Aluminum will be gone. Make sure you do not get it on any aluminum you do not want to get rid of!

Casey

 

[tiriaq]

I have used ammoniated bore cleaner.

 

[scott585]

oven cleaner or lye will eat the aluminium, but it might remove bluing as well

 

[Potashminer]

Update: Thanks for the suggestions. I stared at it long enough, decided to do something with it - soaked it down with Sea Foam brand "Deep Creep" penetrating oil, gave it a few minutes, then started to rub with 0000 (4 - Aught) steel wool and whatever that smear was just went away! Very small amount left in the recesses of the engraved markings. Whatever original finish that was on the barrel appears to still be there!