Why rattle can paint instead of Duracoat, et al.?

[shadowspirit]

I noticed most who paint their ARs use low priced rattle can to do it. Some will try Cerakoting, which is the hardest of the firearms coatings to apply, IIRC.

Why don't more people try something like Duracoat, KG Guncoat, or one of Brownells spray-on finishes for firearms? It provides a nicer finish than rattle can and is easier to apply than Cerakote, IIRC. I think there is a rattle can option to apply Duracoat.

Note: I have no affiliation with any of the above companies or products.

[Inkslinger]

Because spray paint is cheap, easy, and effective.

[GH41]

Cheap and easy way to get what is commonly called a battle worn finish. Nobody will believe your war stories if the rifle looks new.

[HKGuns]

I don't waste my time rattle canning. I fairly inexpensively set myself up to Cerakote items and it works really well.

[docsherm]

Simple to do, works great, cheap, and most importantly it can be easily modified with more paint to changing environments and seasons.

[HKGuns]

Simple to do, works great, cheap, and most importantly it can be easily modified with more paint to changing environments and seasons.

Do you strip it before adding paint? Seems it would build up quite a lot of surface after a while.

[CrowCommand]

A little acetone thins it right out.

I have a couple setups that are ceracoated. A couple I rattle can…..my opinion is if the gun is a safe queen or is going to sit, use ceracoat. For rigs that are getting used, rattle can.

The money spent for the ceracoat looks great and protects well, but for all intents and purposes, a nice coat of spray paint will do the same, on something that might see some scratches and dings.

[Uncas47]

Deleted

[Slater]

Refinished an old Lee-Enfield once with high-temp BBQ grill paint (baked on, of course) from Wal-Mart. Very durable and looked surprisingly good.

[gaijin]

Because spray paint is cheap, easy, and effective.

Ditto.

Add; when it wears off, either “who care”?, or touch it up.