Anodize scratches

[Deserthunter]

Any tips on removing scratches from anodized parts of my rifle?

 

[troy fairweather]

I think Birchwood Casey had a touch up pen.

 

[Kp321]

The Birchwood Casey pen is cold blue for steel, does not work on aluminum. I have had good luck with Testors paint pens, available from hobby shops and craft stores. After the paint fully cures, it can be carefully compounded to blend with the surroundings. This method only works on scratches, not large areas.

 

[Deserthunter]

Thanks Kp321. When you say the paint can be compounded after curing, I assume you mean buffing with fine steel wool or something similar.

 

[BillTell]

I just purchased some Birchwood Casey Aluminum Black for just such a cause. They make an aluminum black pen as well, but I never had good luck with their steel blue pen...it always seemed to be dried out, even new out of the package, so I went with a bottle. Don't know how good it will be, but I will give it a shot.

 

[BBBBill]

...I assume you mean buffing with fine steel wool or something similar.

No. That will scratch/remove more anodizing. A fine polishing compound on a rag is what you want. Mother's Mag Polish, automotive swirl and scratch remover, etc.

 

[MachIVshooter]

For small nicks/scratches, BC aluma-black works well for cosmetic purposes. But it's not durable, so won't work for larger areas, especially those which are handled with any frequency.

If there's significant issues with the anodizing, moly resin or cerakote finish for the whole part are your best bet.