Anodizing Aluminium Stock???

flyingdutchman86

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Location
Calgary, AB
Hi gents,

I've got an EBR that I've kind of wanted to paint OD. But I don't like the worn look when it all starts to wear off, I saw this rifle on another forum in the US (pic below), and Im wondering what painting solutions guys have been using, specifically has anyone sent a rifle/stock out to be anodized in Canada? Has anyone powdered coated a stock? did it effect the fit? Curious to see what guys have been using. Cheers.

 
Powder coating will add thickness to surfaces coated, usually 1 - 3 mils (thousands of an inch). However, so will all spray applied coatings. Areas that are tolerance fit are typically masked before coating. Tape is typically used for spray applications, silicone plugs and tubes are used to prevent coating build up on threads, faying surfaces, etc.

If I had an aluminum item that I wanted to 'colour', I would definitely consider sending the items to be anodized.
I live in Ontario, a few years ago I found a place in Burlington to do some aluminum anodizing. You should be able to find a company in, or close to Calgary to do the work for you.

All coatings, even anodized parts will suffer colour loss and wear if the coated surface is subjected to abrasion, impact, etc., the same as a blued part. But since anodizing adds little to no measureable thickness to parts, again same as a blued part, that's what I would opt for.
Parts anodized can offer a gloss finish, and/or matt finish in a variety of colours.

I know that MDT anodize all of their gun stocks, so that may provide you with a decision maker.

EDIT: Just did a quick Google search and found these guys - http://www.albertabase.com/process.htm

And the good old Yellow Pages! - http://www.yellowpages.ca/search/si/1/Anodizing/Calgary

Hope this helps.
 
There are a couple certified Cerakote applicators near you. That would be my choice. I think I will do that to my EBR. If they are too busy, send me a PM but always nice to deal locally.
 
Caswell sells anodizing kits. Add the W's. .caswellcanada.ca/shop/
Ceracote is ceramic based. Duracoat is polyurethane. GunKote is spray on epoxy. Any of 'em will show wear.
 
Caswell sells anodizing kits. Add the W's. .caswellcanada.ca/shop/
Ceracote is ceramic based. Duracoat is polyurethane. GunKote is spray on epoxy. Any of 'em will show wear.

So will anodizing. Home kit ? Really ?? Why would anyone even try that for $600. to $900.00. I guess I'm biased. Good luck !
 
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I set up a home kit years ago, and doing anodizing on a small scale is very difficult. The biggest problem is using small volumes of chemical etc, it is easy to make a huge change in 2 - 3 gallons whereas in an industrial setup with 200 gallon tanks they don't fluctuate as much. There are companies that do it cheaper and better.
 
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