What do you use to touch up scratches in your AR Receivers?

[minnesota1]

I've put a nick or two in my AR Receivers over the years and thought that there may be something out there to spot treat them a bit.  Just curious, I can live with them as they are working guns so I expect scratches etc.  But if I can help preserve them a bit I'll do it.

 

Thanks.

[lwink]

I've used something as simple as sharpie for small surface scratches on receivers and scopes before.  

 

Next step up that actually lasts on handled parts in my mind is:

https://www.foreinnovations.com/product_p/pen_black.htm

 

There are homebrew anodization kits as well, but I've never experimented with them.

https://www.caswellplating.com/anodize-touch-up-kit.html

 

  I'd rather just dive in and do the whole thing as a diy duracoat, alumahyde, etc. Had good luck with those if care is taken and you have basic tools and a place to work. 

[TonytheTiger]

I like to hide the scratches. With more scratches.

[Talon75]

Birchwood Casey makes aluminum black, comes in a pen or a bottle depending on how much you need . Looks like it's the same as the Caswell plating stuff with similar results.

Edited April 1, 2020 by Talon75

[practical_man]

krylon  in the color of your choice

[lwink]

17 hours ago, Talon75 said:

Birchwood Casey makes aluminum black, comes in a pen or a bottle depending on how much you need . Looks like it's the same as the Caswell plating stuff with similar results.

Talon that's the stuff I was actually looking for, have some birchwood casey touch up stuff.  Assume it's all the same from different manufacturers just a different label.  

 

21 hours ago, TonytheTiger said:

I like to hide the scratches. With more scratches.

Tony - the never fail solution!!! And the cheapest option!

 

 

[TonytheTiger]

36 minutes ago, lwink said:

 Tony - the never fail solution!!! And the cheapest option!

I'm a simple man..

[AHI]

sand paper     IE   more scratches 

[zombywoof]

First thing I do is throw it down the driveway. That way I don't have to worry about such things.

 

It's only an AR dude.

[ltdmstr]

Rustoleum textured black is almost an exact match for AR anodizing.  Downside is it doesn't adhere very well, so any wear surfaces will rub off pretty quick.  

[usmc1974]

I'm a Marine, My AR Have orders not to get scratches

[Nathanb]

On 3/31/2020 at 11:13 PM, TonytheTiger said:

I like to hide the scratches. With more scratches.

This is how I roll. 

[NMBOpen]

Got my Firebird billet receiver in the white, sent it off to Ion Bond, along with the barrel and comp from JP. Only shows wear when there are parts that impact on each other, like the back radius just below the buffer tube. About eleven years of use at least twice a month.

[Matt1911]

Scratches add character, but if you're really worried about showing your guns get used, use alumiblack. 

[MemphisMechanic]

On 3/31/2020 at 10:13 PM, TonytheTiger said:

I like to hide the scratches. With more scratches.

Yes.

 

I find gravel to be the preferred medium. Worn guns are sexy guns.

[LuvDog]

I’ve never even considered hiding scratches on any of my ARs.

[12glocks]

Nothing.

[AmosM223]

x2 Birchwood Casey Aluminum Black. Matches pretty well. Great for touching up little nicks in the finish. 

[Limitless13]

I can vouch for the Birchwood Casey stuff too. Works great for the little stuff. 

[22 shooter]

I like new stuff. Especially when it gets old.

[Ssanders224]

On 3/31/2020 at 9:39 PM, minnesota1 said:

I've put a nick or two in my AR Receivers over the years....

they are working guns...

 

 

 

These two statements are at odds with each other. 

[OnVacation]

think of them not as scratches, but as slowly acquiring a custom "battleworn" finish.

[71Commander]

Nothing.

[Tampa-XD45]

On 3/31/2020 at 10:39 PM, minnesota1 said:

I've put a nick or two in my AR Receivers over the years and thought that there may be something out there to spot treat them a bit.  Just curious, I can live with them as they are working guns so I expect scratches etc.  But if I can help preserve them a bit I'll do it.

 

Thanks.

Here's a recent demo:  https://www.arbuildjunkie.com/fix-scratches-ar-15/