Gunsmithing best degreaser for duracoat prep?

[In2b8u]

What is the best de- greaser you use for duracoat? This is my first experience with self application of a poly coating (or coating of any kind for that matter).I have my 220 apart and getting ready to blast and prep.
Also what pressure for blasting with aluminum oxide? I purchased a self contained cabinet for the job. Just dont want to crank up the pressure and ruin my frame. Thanks for the help in advance.
Any other pearls of wisdom would be welcome at this point. db

 

[shooter53]

Re: best degreaser for duracoat prep?

The process we use to degrease a weapon prior to Duracoat is to spray down with Simple Green , wipe down with clean non lint rag, blow dry. Then we blast at 90 psi ( determined by media and nozzle tip opening). Once blasted we spray down with denatured alcohol and blow dry one last time.

Make sure you let the parts sit for 15 to 30 minutes to ensure the alcohol has totally evaporated before you start to spray Duracoat. We also wash our hands with Simple Green then dry on a clean towel then spray our hands with denatured alcohol and let them air dry before we handle the parts to be painted.

With Duracoat, make sure you mix the hardner to the MFG specs, otherwise the finish will come out glossy looking and it may not adhere the way it should. ALSO SPRAY LIGHT COATS AND MAKE SURE IT FLASHES OFF BEFORE YOU SPRAY THE NEXT COAT !

Good Luck.

 

[locked&loaded]

Re: best degreaser for duracoat prep?

Lauer weaponry sells Tru Strip to degrease but you could use brake cleaner to blast off debris and grease in a pinch.
After cleaning I blow off the parts to dry and then blast with 120 grit alu ox. @ 45 to 50 psi. and then blow off the excess media with high pressure air.
As stated above, light coats and let flash off between coats.

Good luck

 

[oneshot onekill]

Re: best degreaser for duracoat prep?

I used Automotive Brake Parts Cleaner before I Aluma-Hyde'd my rifle. At like $2.00 per can it was cheap and did a Great job.

 

[blksno]

Re: best degreaser for duracoat prep?

I've always used brake cleaner but this is the kind i have become the most fond of. It's cheap, at Walmart, is a large can, and has some serious pressure. It will BLAST off stuff quite easy.

 

[former naval person]

Re: best degreaser for duracoat prep?

And...if you blast off with HP air...make sure you don't have a oily, wet, rusty compressor tank.

 

[Insayn]

Re: best degreaser for duracoat prep?

What is meant by "flash off" in between coats?

 

[azimutha]

Re: best degreaser for duracoat prep?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Insayn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What is meant by "flash off" in between coats? </div></div>When it goes from being visibly wet to looking dry, although it won't necessarily be dried through underneath.

 

[locked&loaded]

Re: best degreaser for duracoat prep?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: former naval person</div><div class="ubbcode-body">And...if you blast off with HP air...make sure you don't have a oily, wet, rusty compressor tank. </div></div>

+1 Inline filter followed by an inline filter followed by....

Filters are your friend.

 

[Shott8283]

Re: best degreaser for duracoat prep?

Acetone or 90% alcohol is the two best for final wipe down prep just prior to spraying. Brake parts cleaner is awesome for large volume douching. Non chlorinated is best, less fumes and less harmful to bare metals.

 

[In2b8u]

Re: best degreaser for duracoat prep?

Thank you gentlemen for all of your help. Ill keep yall posted on how this project progresses.