It’s no secret that there are tons of different firearm finishes out there, many of which are applied to AR-15 parts and which confer a slew of benefits in addition to aesthetics.
Here are some of the most common AR part finishes in the industry, along with some of the potential benefits they offer.
Chrome and Stainless Steel
First, let’s cover stainless steel, which is not a finish or a coating, but is rather an alloy of steel that has been chemically enriched with some element that is corrosion-resistant, commonly nickel or chrome. Stainless steel alloys resist rust and oxidation better than other grades of steel, and require less care and maintenance.
Chroming is another process whereby chrome is deposited on the surface of an alloy in order to protect the metal underneath. This finish is also referred to as a chrome or hard chrome finish and in addition to being corrosion resistant, it has an aesthetically pleasing silver-tone finish.
Bluing
A black oxide finish is commonly referred to as bluing because of the pleasing metallic blue finish it leaves on the treated surface.
Bluing is an electrochemical process whereby the surface of the steel is converted into black oxide, providing an insulating layer that protects the steel underneath. A blued finish is also very hard and wear resistant.
Applying a blued finish to the surface of a gun is a fairly easy and straightforward process and when well cared for, bluing will last for the life of the gun - but it’s not nearly as tough or as wear resistant as some other modern finishes.
Black Nitride
Black nitride, also known as ferritic nitrocarburization, is a finish applied via another electrochemical process that diffuses nitrogen into the surface of the steel, converting the top layer to a very hard, very wear resistant compound known as nitride.
Black nitride has a sleek black finish and in addition to being very hard, it is also highly corrosion resistant. It also offers a high degree of permanent dry lubricity, which reduces the need for liquid lubricant on moving parts.
Gold Nitride
Gold nitride, also known as titanium nitride, is another type of nitride finish that uses titanium to alter the surface chemistry of the workpiece. In terms of attributes, it is very similar to black nitride as it is very hard, wear-resistant, and corrosion-resistant.
The main difference between black and gold nitride is in the aesthetics; whereas black nitride is a deep, glossy black, titanium nitride has a very attractive gold-tone finish.
Nickel Boron
Nickel boron, like nitride, is a very hard and very corrosion resistant gun finish that is very hard, very corrosion resistant, very wear resistant, and which has an exceptional degree of permanent dry lubricity. Because of its smoothness and non-stick nature, nickel boron is often used as a finish for bolt carrier groups.
(Manganese Phosphate) Parkerized Parts
A manganese phosphate finish, more commonly known as a parkerized finish, is a very common metal finish that is commonly applied to arms and parts used in military and other official capacities.
Parkerization entails a chemical conversion process whereby a crystalline finish is left on the surface of the steel. Though a bit toothier than other finishes (and with poor lubricity) the texture helps liquid lubricant adhere, improving lubrication and reducing the risk of oxidation.
Although less corrosion and wear resistant than other finishes, it’s also non-reflective and much more cost-effective, keeping it a popular choice for some AR parts.
Diamond-Like Carbon
Diamond-like carbon is a carbon-based coating that is hard (like diamond) but offers the lubricity characteristics of graphite, both of which are allotropes of carbon. Like nitride, DLC coatings are hard, wear-resistant, corrosion resistant, and very smooth, making them easier to keep clean, requiring less liquid lubricant, and making them ideal for moving parts like bolt carrier groups.
AR15 Anodized Parts
Anodization, also known as hard-coat anodization, is a type of electrochemical finish that is applied to aluminum parts. Anodization converts the surface of aluminum to aluminum oxide, which is hard, stable, wear resistant, and corrosion resistant. Anodization is also popular because the oxide can be dyed a variety of attractive colors, making it easier to personalize an AR with AR15 anodized parts.
Cerakote AR Parts
Another class of AR parts we have are Cerakote AR parts, which are treated with Cerakote which is a topcoat rather than a chemical finish. Nonetheless, Cerakote is very thin and Cerakote AR parts are hard, wear and corrosion resistant, and because of the slick surface, are easy to keep clean. Because Cerakote is available in a wide range of different colors, it is popular, just like anodized AR15 parts, for the purposes of personalization.
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