Question on ar15 coating

[jogar80]

I have a colt ar15 that i play with a lot and the original black finish has worn down to the bare aluminum on several spots. I kinda like the way it looks but im wondering if the aluminum will oxidize where it is exposed? If so, I guess I can give it a coat of paint, but I'd rather leave it as is.

 

[DPris]

Not to any extent worth worrying about.
Denis

 

[damienph]

Bare aluminum will oxidize but if oiled and wiped down it will be ok. It won't corrode and pit the metal as easily as bare steel can.

I would just keep it clean and leave as is. I like the honest worn look.

 

[MrCleanOK]

It's just fine. Thousands of M16 and M4 rifles in military arms racks probably have more bare aluminum showing than yours and they're still ticking.


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[ontarget]

Yup, leave it alone.

 

[jogar80]

Great. Thought it would be fine but just wanted to be sure. Thanks guys!

 

[Z-Michigan]

Uh.... guys.... anodizing IS oxidation. Aluminum naturally forms an aluminum oxide coating (Al2O3) which prevents it from other corrosion. Anodizing speeds this along and makes the coating thicker and tougher. Dyes can be added and typically are, but the anodizing itself is just oxidation.

Shiny spots have lost the factory anodizing but are still OK in typical environments. I usually paint them with a Sharpie or paint pen to dull them, but this has no protective benefit.

 

[lysanderxiii]

I have a colt ar15 that i play with a lot and the original black finish has worn down to the bare aluminum on several spots. I kinda like the way it looks but im wondering if the aluminum will oxidize where it is exposed? If so, I guess I can give it a coat of paint, but I'd rather leave it as is.

Yes, it will oxidize.

It will oxidize within a few seconds of being exposed to oxygen. In fact the black anodized finish is nothing more that a thick layer of ceramic aluminum oxide.

The aluminum oxide layer is what protects the rest of the aluminum from corroding.

 

[DPris]

Again- not to any extent worth worrying about.
Denis

 

[Panzerschwein]

Aluminum is a self-passivization metal. It's oxide layer is self-limiting and actually forms a protective layer that keeps out oxygen to prevent further corrosion.

Nothing wrong with a little honesty wear on an AR.