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Thread: Matching finish on upper/lower

  1. #1
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    Matching finish on upper/lower

    I have several new uppers mounted on pre-ban lowers and the colors don't match.

    I was thinking of refinishing the uppers/lowers with Duracoat, Cerakote, or Gun-Kote; however I was concerned about durability as well as decreasing the resale value of the uppers/lowers.

    What is the best option for matching colors on uppers/lowers? Am I better off with one of the coatings, or should I have them re-blued?

  2. #2
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    I would look into having them re-anodized you're bound to find somewhere online if not locally that can do it for an affordable price.
    B.A.S. Mechanical Engineering Technology

  3. #3
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    One more question: I have a brand new Noveske 14.5" Afghan that I'm putting on a pre-ban Eagle Arms lower.

    I'm using flat dark earth Magpul furniture, and I was thinking of refinishing both the upper and lower in FDE Cerakote, however I'm hesitant on refinishing a brand new Noveske upper.

    Am I better off just re-finishing the lower in either Cerakote Graphite Black or Armor Black to try and match the upper? (I'm not sure what shade of black best matches a new Noveske upper)

  4. #4
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    I have had good results with the Brownell's spray on products. Alumahyde is probably about the easiest. Dura-coat and some of the KG Guncoat are very durable if you can prepare the surface correctly and bake them (NOT in the same oven as you will use for food unless you want it smelling/tasting funny, ask me how I know:-) )

    http://www.usanodizing.com/ is where alot of the folks get their retro uppers and lowers re-done in the old Grey color but he can do many other colors and is familiar with Ano'ing AR's and firearm related products, but of course you run in to shipping recievers, etc...
    Last edited by Stik; 12-16-10 at 11:58. Reason: spelling

  5. #5
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    ^^^ Victor at usanodizing flat out does the best Ano I've seen ^^^

    Pricing is competitive for the service you receive. Last spectacular job I saw of his was a FDE Ano job with a URX II rifle length rail and lower receiver matched perfectly. He did a 6520 receiver for me and it was easily better than Colt's original
    Last edited by ALCOAR; 12-16-10 at 12:05.

  6. #6
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    before you have them Anodized, I would seriously consider painting them with a quality finish. it will not decrease value unless it is a fugly color or something really screwy.

    Not all uppers and lowers are made alike. there are different types of aluminum, this has a factor in how they come out after anodizing....there can still be shade difference. re-anodizing will not garauntee a matched set. painting at the same time with the same paint will.

  7. #7
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    I would refinish the lower myself, but I don't want to take the chance of ruining the finish. I'm going to try Alumahyde on some old magazines.

    I have a shop willing to Cerakote the lower for $120...does that sound reasonable?

    I know the only way to get an exact match is to refinish the upper/lower at the same time, but is it really worth refinishing a new Noveske upper just to get an exact match? I'm hoping either the Cerakote Armor or Graphite black will be a close match to the upper.

    I was considering Cerakote(ing) the upper/lower in FDE, but I almost think black with FDE furniture looks better.
    Last edited by theoak; 12-16-10 at 13:22.

  8. #8
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    If you want uniform color, I would just go ahead and either Cerakote or Gunkote it in whatever color you like. You get an upper/lower that are matching exactly, and the protective qualities of a good cerakote/gunkote finish. Personally, I'm an FDE kind of guy.

  9. #9
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    I don't see a point in having one half redone in hopes that it'll match. Unless your luck is better than mine, you'll be out $120 and have the same problem in a different color.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by BSmith View Post
    I don't see a point in having one half redone in hopes that it'll match. Unless your luck is better than mine, you'll be out $120 and have the same problem in a different color.
    +1, I totally agree. If you REALLY want something to match you're going to need to do both at the same time.

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