Refinish of an AR15 lower receiver in Desert Tan

[TGO David]

My brother had an AR15 lower that he originally intended to use for a short barrel NFA item but then changed his mind and wanted to do something else with it. Since he had already engraved the lower with his NFA related information (but never registered it) he asked if I could get rid of the engraving and then refinish it.

Had the engraving been much deeper than it was, I would likely have used some two-part epoxy resin to fill it in, then sanded it smooth with the rest of the metal and shot over it. As it was, this was not necessary and all I had to do was media blast and then refinish it.

First a before picture:

And here is the lower after it was media blasted:

As you can see, the finish that Spikes used on this lower permeated the alloy quite a bit. I was using low air pressure to keep from marking the receiver, and it took quite a long time to get it to that point.

Now here are some after photos. I'm including a few because I thought it was rather neat how this color takes on different characteristics depending on lighting and background.

Obviously he got the "Family Discount" but a job exactly like what I did here probably would have cost about $50 for anyone else who wanted to have it done.

[MikeW]

looks great

I dont see any words that were removed though... what is the difference?

[TGO David]

On the right-hand side of the receiver above the trigger group at about the 1:00 position was a laser engraving that had the name of his NFA trust and his home town. In the big blank area behind the mag well, above the trigger area. I didn't show that in any of the before photos as I figure he might want to keep that information private in case he ever uses the same engravings for some other NFA items.

[LagerHead]

You did a damn fine job David. I can't wait to start building me an EBR. I might have to throw a little business your way.

[TGO David]

It sounds like we're going to do my brother's Vltor MUR upper in the same color so this could end up looking pretty sweet. Almost like an FN SCAR except with 100% less Ugly attached to it.

[xd shooter]

Looks great!!

I want to know how the Acura bumper is???

Sorry somebody had to do it.

[strickj]

So he really is still alive

[Rightwinger]

When do us regular "homers" get to see the price list and bring you something? I have a XD9 that needs some life brought back into it.

[Guest Verbal Kint]

So he really is still alive

Aye... alive and well. Just extremely busy at present (new career venture, divorce, new engagement lol, combining two households and families, etc etc). I try to get online and read the forums as much as time allows, but even then it doesn't permit much time to post.

Hopefully things will settle down in the coming weeks and I'll be back to posting regularly. Also planning a few trips down to TN for shoots and training classes.

[Guest DaG]

The second pic, after blasting, looks cool. Kinda gives it that worn in the desert look. A complete rifle finished that way would look good.

DaG

[NuTcAsE]

That looks great!

What do you do about the finish in the threads and pin holes? Or is it thin enough that it doesn't matter?

[TGO David]

Trade secrets.

[DaveTN]

It looks great.

As you can see, the finish that Spikes used on this lower permeated the alloy quite a bit. I was using low air pressure to keep from marking the receiver, and it took quite a long time to get it to that point.

What media are you using? I use the finest glass bead that MSC has and have never had any problems. It will remove any coating (or bluing) and leave a great finish.