Gunsmithing Rattle can painting

[VandelayIndustries]

I’ve got a rifle that’s got a few surface rust spots. I’d like to rattle can paint it because I don’t have any equipment to do anything more. I also have to paint the barrel so Aluma-Hyde II is out (only 300*f rated).
What’s the best option for a durable rust resistant option?

 

[The Knuckle]

What are your painting. Steel, aluminum or plastic.

 

[brianf]

Krylon is a little thinner per coat

Rustolium is thicker and needs more time to dry

Personally I like krylon colors better

Spray paint isnt durable, think if it like socks. Always getting holes and your always changing them.

 

[VandelayIndustries]

What are your painting. Steel, aluminum or plastic.

Steel and aluminum

 

[roostercogburn98]

High temp krylon- 1800f
VHT paint-2000f

 

[Trigger Monkey]

If you can rattlecan paint a rifle you can Duracoat it, it doesn't actually require anything special:

Normal Duracoat has a temp rating of about 600 F but if you need more then they have a high temp version:

https://duracoatfirearmfinishes.com/duraheat-2-0-high-temperature-coating?srsltid=AfmBOooq2m4gknADsacF1jZzk_iYzmMDIcVUwBZVLDg4vpzIg1eMUSbO#/

I've used these Preval sprayers a lot to do Duracoat finishes:

Preval 9 oz. Complete Spray Gun 267 - The Home Depot

Give a professional finish to any painting job by using this Preval Complete Spray Gun. Perfect for variety of applications.

www.homedepot.com

 

[strikeeagle1]

Before painting sit your paint can in a bath of warm water to touch, for 10 min...this will greatly improve the spray flow and get a nicer result. IF you really want a final color to stand out, use a white base primer first.

 

[ggmanning]

Never had an issue with Alumahyde II on barrels. It's the base coat on my rifles. Even have a couple worn heavy use suppressors sprayed with it....albeit rimfire cans. I am also not painting for the art show. I am painting for hard use.......and touching up when needed.

 

[The Knuckle]

I don’t know if you want it to last or if this is just something you may strip off at some point but if you want it to last, either sandblasting it and using a primer that’s compatible with your chosen paint to get good adhesion is key.
I also recommend duracoat or Cerakote if you have an oven and sandblaster.

 

[Wannashootit]

I’ve got a rifle that’s got a few surface rust spots.

Whatever finish you go with, make sure you completely remove any existing rust- or it'll progress under the coating where you won't see it. Blasting is best (AlOx 80-100 grit) just like prepping for Cerakote if you have a cabinet), but emery cloth or scotchbrite will obviously get the job done.

 

[stello1001]

I rattle can paint all my shit and it's lasted. My main match rifle which has also seen a lot of hunting seasons with lots of abuse has a few areas where the paint looks a bit worn but it adds to the look and isn't terrible.

I get my rifles very hot too during load development because I'll shoot maybe 6 five shot groups and a few 10 to 20 shot groups and they get so hot I can't grab them by the barrel.

 

[cas6969]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0178ABUVM/

There will be some shine, but it will hold up a lot longer.

 

[stello1001]

I forgot to mention, I use the rustoleum 2x cans

 

[chevy_man]

Krylon.

Prep is going to determine how well it sticks. If I'm painting it I plan on never trying to "restore" it. So, light scuff with 100-120 grit. Xylene or acetone wipe to clean with lint free cloth. After it's dry, another cleaning to make sure it's fully degreased.

Then I make puddles on a sheet of cardboard and sponge it on. My kids enjoy this, dedicate a sponge to each color and just keep layering whatever they think looks good.

After 24 hours I do another wipe with xylene, and paint it with satin clear. 2-3 coats until it looks nice and wet.
After a week or so when it's fully cured out I buff the whole thing with some fine steel wool. It really cuts the shine without digging in and sanding the clear off.


I'm sure there's some science behind it, but I've never found any colors very durable and the matte "camo" colors even less so. The clear is actually surprisingly tough, and I haven't had any noticeable amount of wear after 5+ years on some of them.