Wanting to turn my stainless II black, recommendations?

[jyy0003]

ive currently got a kimber stainless II and wanted to turn it black. is it recommended to spray paint 1911's? if i were to do it how effective is the spray paint usually as in does it chip easily or wear out easily? what type of paint should i use for those of you that have actually done this type of work to 1911's?

[jwperry]

Get it cerakoted/duracoated/guncoated, don't spray paint it.
It will do nothing to protect it and will come off with use.

[Joeywhat]

Have it melonited.

If any part of it is aluminum, have that anodized.

[eternal24k]

What's your budget? I have an ionbonded DW that has 2.6k since the application and looks new par some wear on the muzzle (has seen a LOT of kydex and the holster was molded to it very tight).
Other than that, the melonite type treatments are great.

For the spray on finishes, IMHO:

Cerakote > gunkote > Duracoat/Krylon/Other paints..


If properly prepped, the first 2 can yield very nice results. They are also thin, allowing less build up and an even finish.

[theJanitor]

for a stainless gun, just get it bead blasted.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5682632137_bdc966bf94_b.jpg


If you MUST make it black, I vote for ionbonding or meloniting. Just make sure you get all the smithing work done first.

before:
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h30/grandprixboy/1911/a-IMG_8006.jpg

after some smithing and Meloniting:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5216/5483467038_8029b616e1_b.jpg