leadcounsel
member
Planning to paint my AR and AK and maybe some handguns. Any recommendations on what will hold up the best, especially to the intense heat of the rifle barrels?
Best inexpensive brand/type spraypaint for rifle/handgun?
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Ballistic Mule
Member
Take a look at the afternoon fun with duracoat post
THE DARK KNIGHT
Member
For the AK, remove the paint, sand the finish lightly and use Duplicolor 500 Low-Gloss Black or one of the low gloss grays, it holds on the gun great, looks great, easily stands up to the heat. Scratches off somewhat easily though, but hey, AK's look better when they're beat up.
I've tried a few approaches on a different guns. Nothing "rattle-can" has proved at all acceptable to even light/moderate use, include the Brownell's "baking" laquers/enamels. Given the investment of prep you need to do prior to spraying, my next move is this:
GunKote, applied via a cheap air-brush nozzle. You don't need an air compressor to do this (can buy disposable air cartridges at Napa and elsewhere). You'll spend a bit more for the air, finish, and cheap brush (maybe $80 total), but you'll actually have something that will last and look good for no more investment in your time than rattlecans.
Just me experience and $.02 - tons of work to prep for pathetically fragile finishes is just not a worthwhile investment in my book...
GunKote, applied via a cheap air-brush nozzle. You don't need an air compressor to do this (can buy disposable air cartridges at Napa and elsewhere). You'll spend a bit more for the air, finish, and cheap brush (maybe $80 total), but you'll actually have something that will last and look good for no more investment in your time than rattlecans.
Just me experience and $.02 - tons of work to prep for pathetically fragile finishes is just not a worthwhile investment in my book...
leadcounsel
member
I have an air compressor if that matters.
sohcgt2
Member
You might try Duplicolor engine paint. Its designed for high heat applications and available in many shades.
CCR
Member
Just remember the key to any good refinishing is in the prep work
If you have an a/c already, I'd suggest getting a cheap airbrush kit (does not need to be fancy - $25 ones will do nicely).
Then choose between Duracoat or Gun Kote- both are similar and give good results. Then follow the instructions to the "T" - and use an in-line dryer in the a/c line so no condensate can get into the propellant stream. That would ruin the job!
Good luck - take photos and post your experiences later if you feel like it.
P.B.Walsh
Member
Yea, Krylon looks good, but will not stand up to heat, even from 50 rounds through a .308 bolt gun, fired slowly. It started messing up!! 
cmanhome
Member
Gun paint
Some good High heat automobile paint works well and really looks good.
cmanhome
Some good High heat automobile paint works well and really looks good.
cmanhome
leadcounsel
member
I bought some high heat Rustoleum at Lowes today for $6 a can. It claims to be good for things like gas grills and such. Before I use it does anyone have any experience?
coop4u2c
Member
I have used Wheeler CeramaCoat with great results. I have also used DuraBake but like the Wheeler product better.
I have used the BBQ spray, it works ok. It holds up to the heat just fine, most cleaning agents bung it up pretty easy. The two best things about the BBQ spray is that it looks(sorta) like parkerizing and if it does get messed up, just respray.
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