ALUMINUM BLACK Reviews & Ratings

Most other reviews have identified a clean, dry surface as mandatory for this to work properly. I will resoundingly reiterate that sentiment. My ONLY gripe is the packaging. The manufacturer could come up with something to seal the bottle with that wouldn't turn that nasty color shortly after the bottle is opened, risking contamination of the fluid for the lifetime of the usage of the fluid. I am considering putting the fluid into a glass bottle to stop that deterioration of the lid...

This product is excellent for 'black' rifle touch-ups. Very handy when you scratch a black aluminum receiver. I dip a swab into the bottle and apply 2-3 times until blackened completely.

If the part is clean is seems to work fine. I've used mineral spirits to clean the parts and the color holds without issue and does not rub off. As stated in other reviews, the secret is a CLEAN PART before applying the AB.The color may not match in every application but it is made for touching up, not refinishing. That it does.

I use Aluminum Black for small areas and parts such as trigger guards on some rifles and shotguns, but not on large areas. For example, I recently worked on a S&W Model 12-2 airweight revolver that had only a couple of slight scratches on the frame around the cylinder release. This is the process I followed: First step is to thoroughly clean the part or area to be touched-up. Start with Breakfree CLP and then finish cleaning with acetone. I buy acetone by the gallon. Let me underline this: the part must be clean, clean, clean. No grease, no oil, no powder residue, no hand oils, no fingerprints, no moisture, no nothing. After that, make sure it's clean. Next, using a cotton swab, a.k.a. Q-tip, apply the Al Black to the subject area. Use plenty of it. Really soak it. Keep rubbing until the aluminum turns black. In most cases, this means two or three drops of Al Black, but in any case, soak the area. After it has turned black, give it a minute or two to rest and then blot it dry and clean it with acetone. I have found that the chemical will sometimes leave a little residue, a hazy spot. No problem. Simply wipe with a terry cloth towel and a little Breakfree or other good lubricant. That's all there is to it. For larger areas like the trigger guard I mentioned, once again the secret is cleaning. If you leave any contamination at all, the Al Black simply will not get through it and won't work or will be blotchy. I have occasionally strung pieces on a wire and dipped them into the AL Black once they were clean, clean, clean, and dry. (It's not a good idea to have the part dripping acetone when you dip it into the chemical.) I usually figure on repeating the application process at least three times on small parts, but only once on blemishes.

I have used the Aluminum black on AR15's to restore well used finishes to near new appearance. I recently made a well used 22 rifle receiver look presentable to a Grandfather to pass it on to his grandson. I highly recommend this product.

Worked magic on my AR brass deflector scratches. I also used it on my Guns with a flat DLC coating. They turned out perfect! The only gun that didnt had a blued finish and I used too much. It made the area have a different color. My guns are not safe queens and are used frequently, hence the scratches. This may have removed the character they had acquired but it is nice having them look this good again!

Made the scratch on my Colt AR15 look better. Not as noticeable now. Easy to use. Wish it was a bit darker though, still way better then what is was. Brownells was great as always with fast shipping.

I have used this product over the last 30+ years and have had good success. Is it as good as anodized, factory finish, for an entire firearm? NO, DEFINETELY NOT. However for screws, minor scratches in aluminum parts and etc, it's great. The trick is follow directions to the letter.

I have been using this stuff for years and it works per the Label "Touch up scratched and marred areas quickly". Some aluminum requires a little more finesse but CLEAN metal is important. If you read the negative reviews they are primarily from users attempting to refinish large areas . If you are trying to finish aluminum on the cheap, please understand that this product was NOT designed to do this .

I've had mixed sucess with this. It either works great or its terrible. I think the poor results had to do with the prep as application method. I used Tipman Shooter Swabs to apply it the last time and had great success. It's important not to dip the same one in twice and contaminate the bottle.