We know how important it is to get a product that looks just right, especially when you’re investing in a custom-colored anodized finish. Our goal is to provide high-quality, consistent finishes, but there are some things you should know about the anodizing process to ensure there are no surprises when your product arrives.

Understanding the Anodizing Process

Anodizing is an electro-chemical process that adds a protective layer to metal surfaces, which can be colored using different dyes. This process is affected by several factors, including the type of metal, dye concentration, and even the temperature of the tanks used. Because of these variables, slight differences in color are normal, especially between different parts like handguards and receivers made from different alloys (such as 6061 and 7075). While we work closely with our anodizing partner to minimize these variations, some level of difference is unavoidable. So, while the color will be close, it may not be an exact match between parts.

What to Expect with Your Finish

Colored anodizing, especially in lighter shades, can reveal more about the metal underneath than black anodizing does. For instance, imperfections like graphite transfers from the forging process or slight variations where machined and forged surfaces meet may be more noticeable. These are normal and expected with this kind of finish, and they do not affect the product's performance or durability.

You might also see lines, shadows, or waves in the color—these are typical of anodized parts and are usually more apparent under certain lighting conditions. Speaking of lighting, the color of your part might look different depending on where you view it. The studio lighting we use for product photos is designed to be consistent, but the color can shift slightly when viewed under LED, fluorescent, or natural sunlight.

Blemished Items vs. Normal Variations

We understand that some customers might mistake normal variations in the anodizing process for blemishes. To clear up any confusion, we consider a product to be blemished only if the imperfections are beyond what is typical for anodized finishes—like if one entire side is covered in graphite transfers or there’s a significant issue with dye uptake. If that’s the case, we’ll work with the manufacturer to exchange the item for you.

For everything else—like slight shade differences, small marks from the anodizing process, or minor inconsistencies—these are standard with colored anodized products. We’ve included some photos showing how these variations might look in different lighting to give you a better idea of what to expect.