What's the best way to protect the bare aluminum on a receiver that's been laser engraved and thus has no anodizing on it?

I don't think anything is needed. It will form a protective oxide layer and not go beyond that.

I just leave mine "in the white" where it was engraved. Not sure it's going to really experience much wear 3/1,000th of a inch below the surface.

If something is scratching my receiver enough for it to wear the engraving. I probably got bigger worries.

You can use Alodine, it forms an oxidation and prevents any further corrosion. you'll apply it and then remove it almost immediately.

quote:

Originally posted by MNSIG:
I don't think anything is needed. It will form a protective oxide layer and not go beyond that.

This.


Aluminum quickly forms a passivation layer of aluminum oxide. It won't corrode unless exposed to a corrosive agent.

Following engraving, clean engraved area with Acetone and apply Birchwood Casey Aluminum Black. (assuming a black receiver).

In my experience, it works well and makes the engraving appear to be original to the receiver.

This is the product Ident Marking Services uses after they engrave a black AR receiver.

https://www.brownells.com/guns...-black-prod4941.aspx

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