I like the flexibility of patterns that hydro dipping a stock would give me, but just wondering how well the finish would hold up on a rifle that is actively used in the field? Would appreciate any comments from those that may have tried it.
Gunsmithing Durability of hydro dipping a rifle stock?
- Thread starter Rifletuner
- Start date
depends on how its covered. 2-3 coats of a dull clear locks it in and it remains very durable. if its straight dipped without a top coat then it will scratch more easily
That was what I thought. So is there a durable clear coat that would be best to cover the dip pattern? Generally I am thinking something mat would be best for most uses, though wouldn't want something that would reduce the quality of the duracoat layer underneath.
Keep this in mind. A coating is only as strong as what's underneath for the most part. It will all scratch but unless you are working it hard you should have no major issues to speak of. One other thing is choose a reputable company to do it. I've seen some cheaper jobs that it didn't appear the stock was cleaned well prior to dipping. That will cause issues. Cheaper is seldom better.
I had a stock and a rifle multicam dipped and they did a top-rate job: good prep work, base layer and several layers of clear-coat on top. That said, this finish chips more easily than Cerakote. Having samples of Cerakote (air cure), Duracoat, and hydrodripping, my first choice is Cerakote and it is way ahead of the other coatings in the durability department.
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Thanks for all the responses. Will take a good look at a clear cerakoat for the final layer - that might be the best solution.
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