Finishing a Lower

[Ah Pook]

I have a bare aluminum AR Lower and want some DIY options to finish it. Spray paint, powder coating...? Did a search but didn't find much.

Thoughts?

TIA

[00tec]

I h series cerakote mine.

You could go with the air dry version and a preval sprayer.

Powdercoat is too thick

[powerstroke79]

Going to try and use Duracoat Aerosol this weekend. Will let you know how it goes.

[Tim K]

I’ve used whatever the aerosol product is from Brownells. Held up about as well as you would expect for a couple years. Then I stupidly cleaned the upper and lower with carburetor cleaner. It turns out that carburetor cleaner makes an excellent paint stripper.

[Great-Kazoo]

I glass bead the lower, then soak in the sonic cleaner. Then a final rinse in hot water, before drying with air compressor. Spray with Alumahyde, a few light coats, till covered, then cure in the powder coating oven.

One finish lasted 4 yrs. Or you can just bomb can it ;)

[Ah Pook]

Thanks for all the info. Looking toward Alumahyde.

[powerstroke79]

Used Duracoat aerosol.
https://i.imgur.com/fLSEXAzl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Wf0D2KQl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/gGKaJtHl.jpg

Stripped frame and slide. Use break cleaner, 90% alcohol and scotch pad to clean parts. Taped off part I didnt want coated. Website said 2-4 fire arms, not sure where they are getting that from. I did 4 light coat on all 3 pieces and the can was empty. Flashed off with heat gun between coats. I did have a blemish. I waited to long to remove the tape and had some coating peel with the tape. Luckly had a small amount in the can to touch up. Time will tell if it will hold up.

https://i.imgur.com/jzbzGBil.jpg