Firearm Metal Finishing

If you want to prolong the life of any metal part and overall performance, it's best practice to finish it. Metal finishing is important for a few distinct reasons. One, it helps extend product lifespan by reducing corrosion and wear. And two, performing the right kind of metal finishing can also help enhance part or all of a product's aesthetics. When it comes to firearms, both are important.

Light Metals Coloring provides firearm anodizing services specifically designed for aluminum firearm components that require durability, corrosion resistance, and regulatory compliance. We support manufacturers, OEMs, and defense-related suppliers with ITAR-compliant firearm metal finishing solutions built for performance in demanding environments. Read on to learn how our firearm anodizing services support precision, longevity, and consistent quality.

Certifications & Firearms Compliance

LMC is proud to meet the rigorous standards required for firearms finishing. With certifications like NADCAP, ITAR compliance, and a Federal Firearms License, we ensure every part is processed with precision, accountability, and full regulatory oversight.

These certifications allow Light Metals Coloring to support commercial firearm manufacturers, defense contractors, and others with compliant anodizing and metal finishing services. Our controlled processes help safeguard traceability, quality assurance, and repeatable results across production volumes.

Your Ideal Partner for the Firearms Industry

Firearms can be subjected to harsh environments, whether for law enforcement, hunting, or recreation at a shooting range. Such settings may include extreme heat, high altitudes, and even contact with dirt and debris that could dull finishes and damage the device. That's where a custom anodizing solution can pay dividends for firearms and firearm part components.

Firearm Parts & Components

Firearm products, parts, and components often face harsh conditions, ranging from extreme heat to high altitudes. At LMC, we proudly provide the firearm industry with custom metal finishing solutions for a wide range of parts and components, including:



• Upper receivers
• Lower receivers
• Barrels
• Bolts
• Magazines
• Military & defense components

Firearm Anodizing Services

Anodizing is a core process at Light Metals Coloring, enabling aluminum firearm components to resist corrosion, increase surface hardness, enhance appearance, and meet strict industry compliance requirements.

High-Precision Anodizing

For parts that need high-quality, accurate components, our high-precision anodizing services are best suited for high-end parts.

High-Precision Hard Coat

Another high-volume output service, this hard coat anodizing offering, provides a tough, durable finish that's designed to last. 

Bright Dip

Bright dipping is a preferred pre-treatment method for firearm parts before the anodizing process, creating a smoother surface. It has several significant advantages over other surface treatments, making it the obvious choice when cosmetic finishes are critical to your product.

All of our anodizing services mentioned above can be deployed for firearm anodizing; it's just a matter of what process makes the most sense for your component or application. In addition, we can take care of just about all your component and material needs, including pre-finishes. The pre-finishes we have available are degreasing (specialized cleaning for high-precision anodizing) and blasting (grit/glass bead) for high-precision hard coats.

Anodized Aluminum Coloring Process for Firearm Finishes 

After cleaning, degreasing, blasting, and coating is complete, the aluminum part is then submerged into a dye bath for the desired color.  While black remains the most common finish for firearm applications, additional color options are available depending on performance and specification requirements.

Because hard coat anodizing naturally produces a darker base tone, common firearm color options include:

• Lusterless Black to Fed Color standard 595, Approximate Black No. 37038 but not lighter than Gray No. 36076
• Clear Hard Coat
• Olive Drab
• Flat Dark Earth (FDE)
• Coyote
• Gray
• Brown

Learn more and get started by contacting Light Metals Coloring today.

Contact Light Metals Coloring for Firearm Anodizing

As experts in aluminum anodizing and metal finishing since 1945, Light Metals Coloring serves as a long-term finishing partner for firearm manufacturers and suppliers. Our experience across regulated industries allows us to support firearm projects with consistent quality, compliance, and production reliability.

Contact Light Metals Coloring to discuss firearm anodizing services for your aluminum components and learn how our finishing processes can support your manufacturing requirements.