Re-Finishing Brand new RRA .308

[B-McCarty]

Hi,

I just got a brand new rock river LAR-8 that is black. I want to refinish it to tan and am planning on using alodine for a paint prep and painting with KG Gun Kote flat dark earth bake on. I have COMPLETELY dis-assembled the gun and my biggest question is will i be able to just put the upper and lower receivers in the alodine with the current finish on them after I de-grease. Or, do I need to sandblast it off? Acetone? I'm a little lost. I have glass beads in my sand blaster and have read that KG says not to do that. Is this true? KG is closed until monday and I'm ready to get this done.

Thanks!

 

[JDGray]

I would follow the manufacturers dirrections to a T.

Welcom to THR!

 

[DMK]

I would not sandblast an anodized finish off your rifle. It's a form of protection for the aluminum pieces. If you must, you can scuff it up with scotchbrite pads.

I've GunKoted AR15s before. It coats over the anodized finish just fine. Even the really smooth finish that DPMS has. Wear hasn't been a problem for me.

Degrease thoroughly, then degrease it again to be sure. I use mineral spirits and acetone in that order. Handle the degreased parts only with neoprene or surgical gloves to keep the oils in your hands off the parts. Warm the parts as directed, coat them, then cure in the oven. Watch the temperature and time carefully. Do not trust you oven's settings. Buy an oven thermometer to check your temp (they are cheap at Walmart).

The only times I sandblast prior to Gunkote are if it is bare metal, rusty, or if it was previously painted.