Painting stocks

4runnerman · August 25, 2015, 12:27 PM

Hello All. Say I have a F Class rig that I want to get Custom Painted. I would like it Painted with the Stars and Stripes with 2 Pictures of Bald Eagles. One on each side. I can not find someone to do this. Where do I start?. I want it Airbrushed and Clear Coated afterwards to preserve it.
Ideas?.

T. O'Heir · August 25, 2015, 01:39 PM

It wood or synthetic? You want to do it yourself? You have the artsy talent? You married to the airbrushing?
The Stars and Stripes with pictures of bald eagles might be more common than you'd think too. Don't think there are any heraldic rules about it though.

bedlamite · August 25, 2015, 08:38 PM

I'd find a local bike night or bike show and start asking where some of the murals were painted.

4runnerman · August 25, 2015, 08:52 PM

T.O'heir- It is wood. I can't draw a straight line, much less paint one

. I would not be doing this till this Winter when I don't need the Rifle to much.

bedlamite-- That is a awesome Idea. I did check the Yellow Pages and did not do to good there.

taylorce1 · August 25, 2015, 11:34 PM

You might check these guys out, I just did a Google search.

Custom Painted Gunstocks

bamaranger · August 26, 2015, 02:57 AM

The Flag Code (Title 4) ch1, sec 1-10, about 15 pages, addresses and describes many issues concerning the the U.S. flag and the correct display. The Code does not list any penalties, so I suppose it serves as a source of guidelines. Title 18 (criminal and procedures) does list penalties. Given the commercialism and misdisplay and abuse of the flag these days, no one will come and charge you if you paint a rifle with Old Glory. There is nothing in Title 20 that specifically addresses painting a flag on a riflestock. In fact, doing so, in light of the current mentality of some of our countryman, seems down right patriotic indeed.

There are however sections that address the flag as display, decoration, or printed, embroiderd flags on items such as clothing, cups, plates, etc. By example, a star spangled bikini, hatband, ball cap, etc, is in violation of Title 20. So to wrapping paper, handkerchief, and any other dispposable item. The Code also addresses the flag used as decoration, and use as a tablecloth, for example is contrary to code as well. What is typically suggested for decoration is bunting, ie red, white and blue striping.

If I were going to create a patriotic themed rifle, I would go the "striping" route and forego the rendition of the flag. I'd keep the eagles too. I base this on the language that the "flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing." USC 4,ch1, sec 8. And while a rendition on a rifle seems totally appropriate, (certainly not in the same league as a tablecloth or handkerchief) , it dances around the edges of "decoration",.... to me, anyhow. So I just would't go there. That's me, But its the OP's rifle.....duly noted. Just some food for thought.

4runnerman · August 26, 2015, 05:07 AM

Thanks Taylorce1- Will give it a look

Bamaranger- Thanks as well, I never thought about all that. I would never step on our flag so to say. May it wave proudly everyday. The design is not really the flag so to say. It's themed some what down that line- Red, White and Blue, but not per say the flag. The Eagles ( God I wish i could post the pics) are also done in Red White and Blue. Very beautiful Pictures.

lamarw · August 26, 2015, 09:53 AM

Bamaranger certainly touched upon one of my pet peeves. I am angered by how so many treat our "Flag". The thought of it as under garments is disgusting not to mention how politicians pin it to their lapels and lie to us. Then there are car dealerships flying the largest flags not to honor it but to help increase sells. Simply disgusting.

Thank you for rethinking your project. I hope it goes well and would love to see pictures of the finished product.

wizrd · August 26, 2015, 10:02 AM

Bamaranger pointed out some things relative to the U. S. Flag Code -- this is to make people aware of proper respect for our country's flag. The truth is - NO ONE - not even our military, pays any attention to it. The flag code states, in one section: " The flag shall never be carried flat, or horizontally, but always aloft and free." -- How many times have you seen the flag displayed this way? At every major sporting event, parades, etc. Every branch of our military is guilty of displaying the flag this way. I have written to them all concerning this. No one really gives a damn. The only person who ever replied to me was Bud Selig, Commisioner of Baseball - and he wasn't very nice.

As far as a 'bandana' is concerned -- if you look at one -- they are usually not made up from a flag - but individual pieces that bear resemblance to our flag. As such, they are techinically - not the flag, and shouldn't be regarded as being disrespectful.

4runnerman · August 26, 2015, 05:06 PM

Taylorce1- I called that place today. While looking at there sample list I can see they do a Awesome job. I do want it to look great, but they quoted me $650.00 to do the job. Wow- Im sure it's worth it, but just more then I wanted to spend I guess. Thanks for the lead though

taylorce1 · August 26, 2015, 09:23 PM

Well like I said I just did a google search, sorry to hear about the price though. I'm sure there is a lot of detail involved with what you're wanting done. You might check out these guys, their price for an airbrushed stock is $475. Not cheap but cheaper and I think you might like the stock on page 3 of the Kustom Rifles gallery. I'm sure they'll do it in color.

hooligan1 · August 28, 2015, 05:05 AM

All the benchrest rifles that I have seen lately, have some sort of custom paint job, so there is plenty of people that specialize in that sort of thing.
As far as using the flag as a stock adornment, I think it would be pretty cool.

tobnpr · August 28, 2015, 11:14 AM

Could do a hydrodip (water transfer print) using something like this as a base- then you could have an airbrush artist go over the areas you specify with hand-painted eagles. It would keep much of the labor down...

I haven't tried this "dual" approach yet, but sounds interesting and I see no reason it wouldn't work. I'd save the final clear coat until after the airbrushing...

4runnerman · August 28, 2015, 07:45 PM

Tobnpr- Tell me more. How many different designs are there?. Is it something that you would spray duracoat over?. Is it permenent?. Im intrested here.
I have called about 5 places now and it is going to run about $600.00. As much as I wold love to, That is just more then I wanted to spend. It was coming down to a Auto paint shop and just one solid color, but this has me hoping again

Checking out the Web Sight right now-Thanks for the tip

tobnpr · August 30, 2015, 09:15 AM

Just google "American flag hydroprint film" (also substitute water transfer print for hydroprint in your search) and you'll see many of the various water printing films available. I showed just a few of them. There are a gazillion of them...most of what you've seen are comouflage patterns on rifles as this is what's most popular- but any film design can be used.

The end product is petty durable, provided a good, automotive quality clear coat is used. For a competition rifle, that's not going to be slung over the shoulder and beat around through the mountains- it should hold up well for you. First step, is to go back to the artists you contacted to discuss the possibility of airbrushing your designs over a rifle that's had the WTP process done.

I'm just now getting into this process, it's fascinating what can be done...if the tank is large enough, everything from fiberglass ATV bodies to dashboards...

4runnerman · August 30, 2015, 10:37 AM

Yes I have been buried knee deep in it since you mentioned it now.

tobnpr · August 31, 2015, 08:02 AM

The real "difference", and potential drawback depending on application- is not necessarily the durability (which may or may not be an issue as I mentioned depending on application), but rather the thickness of the finished coating.

Clear coat is much thicker than Gun Kote or Cerakote- and will interfere with close tolerance fits (it would wear off, anyway wherever that occurs with movement of parts). Best, IMO, to hydroprint the stock only, then Gun Kote or Cerakote the barreled action and bottom metal. Scopes can be printed- but there is always the risk of water intrusion and scope failure (waiver is always required) from the rinsing process (it's not the dip itself), but higher quality optics rarely have an issue.

upstate81 · August 31, 2015, 11:35 PM

http://www.tarjac.com. check these guys out. I have use them for cerakote and they do an awesome job. They can do just about anything.

MislMan · September 3, 2015, 09:39 AM

Hydro-dipping is just that ... Dipping/dunking the item into a tank of water (the transfer film sprayed on top of the water). The key here is 'Water'. Not sure you want to dunk your wooden rifle stock into water and have it water soaked from every angle. Probably warp or swell the stock.

... Larry S.

4runnerman · September 3, 2015, 06:11 PM

Mislman- It seems to not be a issue. They actually dip 1000's of stocks. One place specializes in dipping stocks.. I have watched dozens of Videos on it now and it goes in the tank and comes out of the tank in less then 30 seconds. I would think your deer rifle in the winter see's more then that. Or hunting in the rain. Heck I have shot many matches in the rain already. They don't call a match for rain, unless it is a very heavy rain.
The issue I am having now is I really can't find a pattern that I like that much.
Metallic seems to be the #1 Choice in F Class stocks from what I read. Blue is really nice, but I have 2 Blue Stocks already. The green freaky color looks good to, but I really don't want skulls on my rifle

upstate81 · September 4, 2015, 02:20 AM

A lot of places can pretty much do whatever you want! And no dipping wood stocks is not an issue.

4runnerman · September 4, 2015, 05:07 AM

Upstate81- Yes they can and do a very nice job too. What got me going this way , is they want $650.00 to paint my stock. I was just looking for a little bit cheaper route to go.

upstate81 · September 5, 2015, 06:09 AM

Agreed 650 bucks is a lot of money. Id likely find a cheaper route as well. They will do a stock for 110 bucks plus shipping and a little more for custom patterns. They will do an entire AR for 200. Thats not bad at all.

August 25, 2015, 01:39 PM	#2
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	It wood or synthetic? You want to do it yourself? You have the artsy talent? You married to the airbrushing? The Stars and Stripes with pictures of bald eagles might be more common than you'd think too. Don't think there are any heraldic rules about it though. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

August 25, 2015, 08:38 PM	#3
bedlamite Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2000 Location: WI Posts: 1,395	I'd find a local bike night or bike show and start asking where some of the murals were painted. __________________ A plan is just a list of things that doesn't happen.

August 25, 2015, 08:52 PM	#4
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	T.O'heir- It is wood. I can't draw a straight line, much less paint one. I would not be doing this till this Winter when I don't need the Rifle to much. bedlamite-- That is a awesome Idea. I did check the Yellow Pages and did not do to good there. __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional

August 25, 2015, 11:34 PM	#5
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,245	You might check these guys out, I just did a Google search. Custom Painted Gunstocks __________________ NRA Life Member

August 26, 2015, 02:57 AM	#6
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,308	flag code The Flag Code (Title 4) ch1, sec 1-10, about 15 pages, addresses and describes many issues concerning the the U.S. flag and the correct display. The Code does not list any penalties, so I suppose it serves as a source of guidelines. Title 18 (criminal and procedures) does list penalties. Given the commercialism and misdisplay and abuse of the flag these days, no one will come and charge you if you paint a rifle with Old Glory. There is nothing in Title 20 that specifically addresses painting a flag on a riflestock. In fact, doing so, in light of the current mentality of some of our countryman, seems down right patriotic indeed. There are however sections that address the flag as display, decoration, or printed, embroiderd flags on items such as clothing, cups, plates, etc. By example, a star spangled bikini, hatband, ball cap, etc, is in violation of Title 20. So to wrapping paper, handkerchief, and any other dispposable item. The Code also addresses the flag used as decoration, and use as a tablecloth, for example is contrary to code as well. What is typically suggested for decoration is bunting, ie red, white and blue striping. If I were going to create a patriotic themed rifle, I would go the "striping" route and forego the rendition of the flag. I'd keep the eagles too. I base this on the language that the "flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing." USC 4,ch1, sec 8. And while a rendition on a rifle seems totally appropriate, (certainly not in the same league as a tablecloth or handkerchief) , it dances around the edges of "decoration",.... to me, anyhow. So I just would't go there. That's me, But its the OP's rifle.....duly noted. Just some food for thought.

August 25, 2015, 12:27 PM	#1
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	Painting stocks Hello All. Say I have a F Class rig that I want to get Custom Painted. I would like it Painted with the Stars and Stripes with 2 Pictures of Bald Eagles. One on each side. I can not find someone to do this. Where do I start?. I want it Airbrushed and Clear Coated afterwards to preserve it. Ideas?. __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional

August 26, 2015, 05:07 AM	#7
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	Thanks Taylorce1- Will give it a look Bamaranger- Thanks as well, I never thought about all that. I would never step on our flag so to say. May it wave proudly everyday. The design is not really the flag so to say. It's themed some what down that line- Red, White and Blue, but not per say the flag. The Eagles ( God I wish i could post the pics) are also done in Red White and Blue. Very beautiful Pictures. __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional

August 26, 2015, 09:53 AM	#8
lamarw Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2010 Location: Lake Martin, AL Posts: 3,311	Bamaranger certainly touched upon one of my pet peeves. I am angered by how so many treat our "Flag". The thought of it as under garments is disgusting not to mention how politicians pin it to their lapels and lie to us. Then there are car dealerships flying the largest flags not to honor it but to help increase sells. Simply disgusting. Thank you for rethinking your project. I hope it goes well and would love to see pictures of the finished product.

August 26, 2015, 10:02 AM	#9
wizrd Senior Member Join Date: February 26, 2012 Posts: 232	Bamaranger pointed out some things relative to the U. S. Flag Code -- this is to make people aware of proper respect for our country's flag. The truth is - NO ONE - not even our military, pays any attention to it. The flag code states, in one section: " The flag shall never be carried flat, or horizontally, but always aloft and free." -- How many times have you seen the flag displayed this way? At every major sporting event, parades, etc. Every branch of our military is guilty of displaying the flag this way. I have written to them all concerning this. No one really gives a damn. The only person who ever replied to me was Bud Selig, Commisioner of Baseball - and he wasn't very nice. As far as a 'bandana' is concerned -- if you look at one -- they are usually not made up from a flag - but individual pieces that bear resemblance to our flag. As such, they are techinically - not the flag, and shouldn't be regarded as being disrespectful. __________________ Sumo magis ammo

August 26, 2015, 05:06 PM	#10
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	Taylorce1- I called that place today. While looking at there sample list I can see they do a Awesome job. I do want it to look great, but they quoted me $650.00 to do the job. Wow- Im sure it's worth it, but just more then I wanted to spend I guess. Thanks for the lead though __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional

August 26, 2015, 09:23 PM	#11
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,245	Well like I said I just did a google search, sorry to hear about the price though. I'm sure there is a lot of detail involved with what you're wanting done. You might check out these guys, their price for an airbrushed stock is $475. Not cheap but cheaper and I think you might like the stock on page 3 of the Kustom Rifles gallery. I'm sure they'll do it in color. __________________ NRA Life Member

August 28, 2015, 05:05 AM	#12
hooligan1 Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2010 Location: Independence Missouri Posts: 4,585	All the benchrest rifles that I have seen lately, have some sort of custom paint job, so there is plenty of people that specialize in that sort of thing. As far as using the flag as a stock adornment, I think it would be pretty cool. __________________ Keep your Axe sharp and your powder dry.

August 28, 2015, 11:14 AM	#13
tobnpr Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2010 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 4,556	Could do a hydrodip (water transfer print) using something like this as a base- then you could have an airbrush artist go over the areas you specify with hand-painted eagles. It would keep much of the labor down... I haven't tried this "dual" approach yet, but sounds interesting and I see no reason it wouldn't work. I'd save the final clear coat until after the airbrushing... __________________ Remington 700/Savage Rebarreling /Action Blueprinting 07 FFL /Mosin-Nagant Custom Shop/Bent Bolts Genuine Cerakote Applicator www.biggorillagunworks.com

August 28, 2015, 07:45 PM	#14
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	Tobnpr- Tell me more. How many different designs are there?. Is it something that you would spray duracoat over?. Is it permenent?. Im intrested here. I have called about 5 places now and it is going to run about $600.00. As much as I wold love to, That is just more then I wanted to spend. It was coming down to a Auto paint shop and just one solid color, but this has me hoping again Checking out the Web Sight right now-Thanks for the tip __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional

August 30, 2015, 09:15 AM	#15
tobnpr Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2010 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 4,556	Just google "American flag hydroprint film" (also substitute water transfer print for hydroprint in your search) and you'll see many of the various water printing films available. I showed just a few of them. There are a gazillion of them...most of what you've seen are comouflage patterns on rifles as this is what's most popular- but any film design can be used. The end product is petty durable, provided a good, automotive quality clear coat is used. For a competition rifle, that's not going to be slung over the shoulder and beat around through the mountains- it should hold up well for you. First step, is to go back to the artists you contacted to discuss the possibility of airbrushing your designs over a rifle that's had the WTP process done. I'm just now getting into this process, it's fascinating what can be done...if the tank is large enough, everything from fiberglass ATV bodies to dashboards... __________________ Remington 700/Savage Rebarreling /Action Blueprinting 07 FFL /Mosin-Nagant Custom Shop/Bent Bolts Genuine Cerakote Applicator www.biggorillagunworks.com Last edited by tobnpr; August 30, 2015 at 09:22 AM.

August 30, 2015, 10:37 AM	#16
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	Yes I have been buried knee deep in it since you mentioned it now. __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional Last edited by 4runnerman; August 31, 2015 at 04:58 AM.

August 31, 2015, 08:02 AM	#17
tobnpr Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2010 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 4,556	The real "difference", and potential drawback depending on application- is not necessarily the durability (which may or may not be an issue as I mentioned depending on application), but rather the thickness of the finished coating. Clear coat is much thicker than Gun Kote or Cerakote- and will interfere with close tolerance fits (it would wear off, anyway wherever that occurs with movement of parts). Best, IMO, to hydroprint the stock only, then Gun Kote or Cerakote the barreled action and bottom metal. Scopes can be printed- but there is always the risk of water intrusion and scope failure (waiver is always required) from the rinsing process (it's not the dip itself), but higher quality optics rarely have an issue. __________________ Remington 700/Savage Rebarreling /Action Blueprinting 07 FFL /Mosin-Nagant Custom Shop/Bent Bolts Genuine Cerakote Applicator www.biggorillagunworks.com

August 31, 2015, 11:35 PM	#18
upstate81 Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2011 Location: NY Posts: 801	http://www.tarjac.com. check these guys out. I have use them for cerakote and they do an awesome job. They can do just about anything.

September 3, 2015, 09:39 AM	#19
MislMan Member Join Date: July 20, 2015 Posts: 57	Hydro-dipping is just that ... Dipping/dunking the item into a tank of water (the transfer film sprayed on top of the water). The key here is 'Water'. Not sure you want to dunk your wooden rifle stock into water and have it water soaked from every angle. Probably warp or swell the stock. ... Larry S.

September 3, 2015, 06:11 PM	#20
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	Mislman- It seems to not be a issue. They actually dip 1000's of stocks. One place specializes in dipping stocks.. I have watched dozens of Videos on it now and it goes in the tank and comes out of the tank in less then 30 seconds. I would think your deer rifle in the winter see's more then that. Or hunting in the rain. Heck I have shot many matches in the rain already. They don't call a match for rain, unless it is a very heavy rain. The issue I am having now is I really can't find a pattern that I like that much. Metallic seems to be the #1 Choice in F Class stocks from what I read. Blue is really nice, but I have 2 Blue Stocks already. The green freaky color looks good to, but I really don't want skulls on my rifle __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional

September 4, 2015, 02:20 AM	#21
upstate81 Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2011 Location: NY Posts: 801	A lot of places can pretty much do whatever you want! And no dipping wood stocks is not an issue.

September 4, 2015, 05:07 AM	#22
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	Upstate81- Yes they can and do a very nice job too. What got me going this way , is they want $650.00 to paint my stock. I was just looking for a little bit cheaper route to go. __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional

September 5, 2015, 06:09 AM	#23
upstate81 Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2011 Location: NY Posts: 801	Agreed 650 bucks is a lot of money. Id likely find a cheaper route as well. They will do a stock for 110 bucks plus shipping and a little more for custom patterns. They will do an entire AR for 200. Thats not bad at all. Last edited by upstate81; September 5, 2015 at 06:16 AM.