Gunsmithing uestion for bedding and Duracoat

[Kyshooter]

I just want some clarification before I go too far.

You can't bed a rifle with Devcon until after you have the Duracoat done so the fit will be correct.

Correct?

Thanks

 

[pklin1297]

Re: uestion for bedding and Duracoat

Yes.

Duracoat can be applied thick so best to paint first, bed later. This what I did to mine.

Oh and make sure the metal is prepped well and that you let the finish cure for a week, if not the full curing time suggested for Duracoat, before you bed, or you might peel paint off.

I waited 2 weeks before doing mine, and it came out just fine.

 

[Widowmaker0001]

Re: uestion for bedding and Duracoat

Coat first and bed after.Plus try to use reducer in the D-cote.It provides a more durable and even finish.Also,lay the coats on in thin coats allowing each to dry for like 20mins before the next until you have that desired finish.It's proven to cure faster with the same durability IMHO if you coat this way.I have done a many,hope this helps.

~Reagan

 

[Hateca]

Re: uestion for bedding and Duracoat

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kyshooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just want some clarification before I go too far.

You can't bed a rifle with Devcon until after you have the Duracoat done so the fit will be correct.

Correct?

Thanks </div></div>

Can't is such a strong word in this case. And yes you can bed and coat later, it's done all the time by many builders including me.

Duracoat will go on as think or thin as you want it. If you are not experienced enough with Appling spray on finishes then you might run into problems if you bed prior to coating. But to say you can't is not correct.

 

[DedicatedShooter]

Re: uestion for bedding and Duracoat

Definitely coat first, bed later (preferably 3 weeks later as full cure isn't obtained for 3-6 weeks per Lauer's instructions). Duracoat is a thicker coating as compared to others, like Cerakote or KG's Guncoat so you'll want to bed afterwards. I tape off the recoil lugs on bolt guns as well, especially if it's been trued.

 

[KYS]

Re: uestion for bedding and Duracoat

I suggest using an oven cured finish if its a possibility. I have had trouble with Duracoat peeling off lately and it was applied by a pro.

 

[Kyshooter]

Re: uestion for bedding and Duracoat

Thanks for all of the info guys.

 

[LRI]

Re: uestion for bedding and Duracoat

Sorry, but I have to disagree.

I've never (evah!) bedded a gun after first coating/plating the action as it's just too easy to nick/scratch the finish.

Epoxies common to this trade all have a degree of shrinkage. The better ones are down in the 1-2 percent range. Since most guys skin bed an action to a stock we have some variances in film thickness. For sake of argument we'll say it's between .01 and .075 in thickness.

That equates to as little as a tenth (.0001") to as much as .0015". Now you have to factor in that your dealing with a part that has essentially three sides that contact the stock. L, R, and the bottom. On the L/R side you'd double those values. On the bottom you'd use it as it stands.

That being said if anything the coating is helping you a bit. It's attempting to fill the gap created by material pulling away. Unless the guy coating the action is dunking the parts in a 5 gallon bucket you'll be just fine.


I've inspected bedding jobs six ways from Sunday and I've never, never, never seen it change before/after coating.

Bottom line, coat your action after your done with all your work. It'll have a much, much nicer presentation and performance won't be affected. Especially with a centerfire cause things happen too fast anyway.

Hope this helped.

C

 

[locked&loaded]

Re: uestion for bedding and Duracoat

Bedded my 308 after I coated.
No peeling or flaking of the DuraCoat. Used kiwi polish for the release agent.

 

[eddief]

Re: uestion for bedding and Duracoat

You can do it both ways. If you bed the recoil lug tight with no tape before coating, you can have a problem with the fit, especially if there is no draft on the lug.

I've done it both ways and prefer to coat after. I can understand coating after bedding, especially for the guys that farm it out.

If done right, I do not believe it affects accuracy either way.

 

[baldie]

Re: uestion for bedding and Duracoat

I always coat after bedding, and have never had a problem. Just make sure the lug is taped.

 

[dmdakota]

Re: uestion for bedding and Duracoat

/ flame suit on / Tape the lug?