refinishing small parts?

Jim D.

Jim D.

Joined
Jul 6, 2011
Messages
293
I'm experimenting with some new spring steel belt clips on a holster, and I want to give them really high rust resistance. They come blued from the factory, but after some reshaping, they need to be refinished. A little cold blue is convenient, but doesn't have the long term rust resistance I'm looking for.

I'm trying to avoid the need to get into sand-blasting/ baking on a finish, and keep this as something I can do in a garage with minimal steps/ equipment needed. I know lots of finishes like Cerakote would be awesome, but that would add a lot of time and headache for one small part.

My only goals are highly rust resistant (won't rub/wear off with mild abrasion from daily wear), and not terribly involved to apply. It doesn't matter if there is some variance in the color, it just needs to provide protection from rust.

Brownells Aluma-Hyde looks like a leading option, right now. Any other recommendations? I have considering just sending these items out and having them parkerized, I just want to keep this "in house" for the sake of simplicity. If I have to send this out, I will. I don't have the space to setup compressors, blast cabinets and ovens, so that would be beyond my capability/ interest at this time. I could probably run a toaster oven, but that's about it.

Many thanks for the advice, guys!
 
I do Cerakote work and would like to be able to bid out the job if you are interested. Other than that the only other option I see for you is anodizing but again you are going out of house so why not Cerakote. You can use Aluma-Hyde but like all coatings they are only as good as the prep work you do. If you don't degrease, blast and heat you are spinning your wheels.
 
Degreasing wouldn't be a problem, and there is a sandblast shop not far away. I just haven't priced them out yet. Cerakote pretty much requires a airbrush/compressor, AFAIK, which again isn't really worth it for me to do in house.
 
What you have listed is "like" Cerakote in one way.....it is a coating. That is it. Don't get me wrong....it serves a purpose but it is not in the same league as Cerakote as far as wear and durability. I have used all the spray on coatings and Cerakote is the only one I will work with for a reason. Those coatings are great for the DIY project and will work for the application the OP has stated.
 
I doubt any coating will hold up on something that flexes like a belt clip. I do electroless nickel plating, and I wouldn't even expect that to hold up on a belt clip.
 
Flex is not that big of a deal with Cerakote....I use it on the limbs of bows and it holds strong.
 
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