Painting Your AR

captmike03

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 3, 2012
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78
Georgia
If this question is not posted int he right place, please feel free to move. For those of you who paint your weapons, what type of paint do you use? I have experience painting cars, boats and airplanes and have everything from HVLP to an airbrush. Just thought I might keep from re-inventing the wheel. Thanks in advance.
 
Re: Painting Your AR

I would suggest messaging ARP or Short Bus here on the Hide. Both are our resident painting samurai bad-asses and could probably steer you in the right direction for a home project.
 
Re: Painting Your AR

If you have an airbrush duracoat is nice, if you scratch it after it cures just touch it up. It does come in spray cans I've never used those though.

Through an airbrush you can get really good coverage without running, certain clear coats you apply will add a textured finish like the matte and satin clearcoats, the gloss is obivously smoother.

Make sure to be patient and let it cure, painting and assembling a gun in a day is possible but its still pretty soft.

If your doing a pattern job use cheese cloth, leaves, just about anything to create negative space with the layers of pain on the gun.
 
Re: Painting Your AR

I'd say there are two ways to go.

Professionally- Shortbus and ARP on this forum do it, and do an amazing job.

DIY- there are two kinds of paint to use. Duracoat and Krylon that are used. Duracoat is a better for staying on the gun better, but takes more time to prep and Krylon is just a spray paint. Krylon comes off easier then Duracoat, but I believe when it comes off it adds character.
 
Re: Painting Your AR

I have painted two with Duracoat and love they way they have turned out. The stuff is very tuff and looks good. As others said it does take time to prep and spray. It is worth the effort IMHO.