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11-08-2015, 12:01 AM
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Bead blasting a j-frame
I have an .38 j-frame Model 638 air weight. I want to put a bead blasted finish on it. Can this be done as it is aluminum?
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11-08-2015, 09:05 AM
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I would not do that as it will more than likely remove the anodizing on the frame.
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11-08-2015, 09:54 AM
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Welcome to the FORUM! Most people prefer a gun to have the original finish. I go the other way. Most of my stainless guns are polished to some extent. Everyone is different. Bob
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11-08-2015, 10:20 AM
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More costly, but send it to Robar...
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The Following 4 Users Like Post:
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11-08-2015, 10:21 AM
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Welcome 38sp.
No question it can be done. The actual media and duration of the application will dictate the end result. Even with glass beads there are significant differences in the mesh size. Start fine and work your way more course.
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11-08-2015, 05:52 PM
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S&W will refinish it back to factory new, and the price is not unreasonable. They even reapply the trademark logo and all the writing. No aftermarket refinisher will do that.
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11-08-2015, 07:13 PM
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I've seen the warning against removing anodizing on the Sig Forum (classic Sigs have aluminum frames) but can't vouch for the metallurgy behind it. I've read numerous times that anodizing increases the strength of aluminum, as well as combating corrosion and allowing coloring.
Bead-blasting would probably damage or remove the anodizing or at least, in the case of silver-colored aluminum J frames, the clear sealant over the anodizing.
A good refinisher might have enough knowledge to answer this question once and for all.
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11-09-2015, 02:24 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 38sp
I have an .38 j-frame Model 638 air weight. I want to put a bead blasted finish on it. Can this be done as it is aluminum?
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Yes, it can be done. These pictures are the result of bead blasting a 638-3 that had a fair amount of finish damage. I consider the finished results as "just fair" because you lose most of the original markings. I had to try it, but will probably never do this again to another Airweight.
Yes, YMMV, but I tried to be careful of the markings.
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11-09-2015, 05:03 PM
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Type III (Hardcoat)
Hard Anodizing is an engineered surface treatment designed to provide exceptional wear resistance (Rc 70 equivalent), and high levels of corrosion resistance.
Is this the process that S&W uses?
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11-09-2015, 06:22 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mike from st pete
Type III (Hardcoat)
Hard Anodizing is an engineered surface treatment designed to provide exceptional wear resistance (Rc 70 equivalent), and high levels of corrosion resistance.
Is this the process that S&W uses?
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The 638-2 and 638-3 in our family appear to painted rather than anodized.
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