Painting an AR?

[Cameron]

I just bought and sighted in a Bushmaster AR, it is a relatively inexpensive rifle and, of course, as soon as I got it I starting thinking about things I want changed....

I would like to "paint" it camo.

I searched the forums looking for information about "do it yourself" spray on coatings and couldn't find much.

I thought I would ask the best people as you guys have probably had a lot more experience with paint type finishes...

What is the best product to use if I am going to paint it myself?

I am looking at:
DuraCoat
John Norrell's Moly Resin
Aervoe's Camo Paint

This would be on an very inexpensive AR, I was going to get a http://www.bulldogarms.com cammo pattern and simply spray the rifle.

Any advice about your experiences with these finishes would be much appreciated

Thanks,
Cameron

[shooter521]

My quick-and-dirty method is to use Aervoe epoxy-based spraypaint for the colors, then a coat or two of Alumahyde II matte clearcoat on top. Both brands available from Brownells. The resulting finish holds up very well compared to "trick" finishes costing much more. The only issue I've noticed is that the AH II matte clear isn't entirely matte, and may also cause the spray colors to darken somewhat when it is applied.

[Boom]

Tag for tomorrow. I need to sit for a bit and type a response.

[MudBug]

I know this isn't an AR, but I used Durcaot on my LTR and the finish is fantastic.

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/8302/ltrcamo57ip.jpg

[militarymoron]

whoa! that's a cool, unique pattern on that LTR. i like it! looks like a boa constrictor :)

[Voodoochild]

Tag for tomorrow. I need to sit for a bit and type a response.

Shame on you Boom you know this isn't that other site. No tagging :D :D

But seriously I have thought about painting my AR but not sure I have the proper skills to make it work.

[Cameron]

The reason I ask...

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m198/2007cam/Black02.jpg

They look like a blank canvas waiting for the artist...

Cameron

[SuicideHz]

Damn nice paint scheme!

I personally like to use Duracoat. I've painted many rifles with it and it's only given me problems a few times- humidity related...

I tried KG Gunkote from Brownell's and it was nothing but trouble.

I personally think LCW needs to get a better way for their customers to select the right colors. Matte Black is easy but picking other colors is difficult. I asked for and received samples of two of their ACU greens. Neither match any of the greens in my ACU gear.

[MudBug]

whoa! that's a cool, unique pattern on that LTR. i like it! looks like a boa constrictor :)


I know it looks like a snake, but I didn't start out to make it look like one, just a pattern that works in my area. Which it does pretty well.

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/792/ltrcamo48qx.jpg

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/5677/ltrcamo13py.jpg

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/3638/ltrcamo119je.jpg

[dubb-1]

I just KG mine as a base and then spray Krylon in a pattern that fits.

[Diz]

I like KG gunkote for a moly flat gray base coat. Alumahyde II for colors cuz it coats furniture and optics without baking required. Yes it will all wear with time but so what. Gets you up and running.

[Stickman]

Norrells will be your easiest to apply, most durable, and most solvent resistant. The below link walks you through everything, and while it isn't perfect, it covers most areas I can think of.

http://www.coloradoshooting.org/ar_refinishing.htm

[ArchAngel]

I know this isn't an AR, but I used Durcaot on my LTR and the finish is fantastic.

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/8302/ltrcamo57ip.jpg

CROM!

That is cool looking.

Nice use of colors, nice rifle.

[threefeathers]

Here is an A-2 with Burris scope and field expediant cheek piece. I used krylon and a snipers veil.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y119/threefeathers/P6100087.jpg

[Ren]

So how durable is Krylon? What happens to it when it gets oils and clp on it or bore cleaner for that matter? Will a krylon finish get all sticky and nasty and need to be stripped off?

[Stickman]

So how durable is Krylon? What happens to it when it gets oils and clp on it or bore cleaner for that matter? Will a krylon finish get all sticky and nasty and need to be stripped off?


Krylon is cheap, and an effective way to mask your weapon. However, if you are looking for solvent resistance, or a durable finish, its not going to cut it.

The most beat up looking weapons you will see in general are tan, as the darker coating underneath stands out quite a bit. The pigment used in tan is also not as durable in many finishes, so it tends to wear heavily and quickly.

The wear isn't a bad thing, but for people who are looking to keep weapons pristine looking, tan is NOT a good color to do it. For people who don't care about a pretty gun, tan blends in to most environments, and the wear and chipping only helps in concealment and breaking up its outline.

[45-Bravo]

I did the Krylon on one of my builds, it did the job I needed it to do and it has held up way better than I expected.

[threefeathers]

For krylon just throw a snipers veil on it, spray the color of the local folage, and eat Hot C's. (Uh, MRE's to you younger folks):cool:

[Bulldog1967]

I love the Duracoat...super easy to apply and durable.

[JBar]

I use Duracoat and some KG3 depending on the application. Duracoat is very easy to use, durable but not indestructible and can be softened with a strong solvent such as acetone. It does hold up very well under normal conditions. It is a good way to start painting especially if you are only going to do one or two guns. The biggest tip I can give you is that if you do a pattern, make sure you put the matte clear coat on at the end. It really smoothes the pattern and blends the color. This was a tough one I did for a friend. Good luck and have some fun with it.

Jbar

(Sorry, I don't have Stickman's skill with a camera. But then, who does :) )

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m271/JBar_01/DSC00272.jpg

Here is my truck gun. I think it turned out nice but I would go with a darker color if I painted it again.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m271/JBar_01/DSC00882.jpg

[Stickman]

Looks good, both the coating and the pictures.

[Cameron]

Has anyone done, or have pictures of a rifle done with Norrell's in a camo pattern?

I have found great pictures on Norrell's coated guns, but not one finished in a camo pattern.

Thanks,
Cameron

[Cameron]

Finally finished.

BEFORE
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m198/2007cam/AR15/VFG2.jpg

AFTER
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m198/2007cam/AR15/BushSnake01.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m198/2007cam/AR15/BushSnake03.jpg


For about $20 ($3 primer $14 for Krylon "Camouflage Paint") I cut my own stencil...

[Cameron]

**************UPDATE************

Shot 220 rounds through the Krylon Camo rifle on Sunday and I am pleased to say the finish suffered no ill effects.

In fact the rapid heating of the bbl and cooling seems to have hardened the paint on the bbl.

Regards,
Cameron