Can't figure out which coating to use

nanewt02 · March 25, 2014, 11:10 PM

I can do rust bluing , case hardening , etc. what I've never done are these new coatings on the market, I have a model 176 I would like to preserve the color case hardening on. I'm looking for a glossy clear coat.
Can anyone recommend between the coatings. I don't think I can use Cerakote because it requires blasting. What about durakote, gun kote etc. I have ovens and spray guns

Dixie Gunsmithing · March 26, 2014, 06:46 AM

You will want something similar to a polyurethane clear coat, not acrylic. I just looked at a pistol that was polished down, and coated with acrylic clear, and it didn't turn out too good.

I have been trying a furniture grade poly, by Rust-Oleum, on steel, and it has worn well. It is clear, no color to it, and goes on easy. A word of caution, though, is that any coating will be able to be damaged by scratches, etc., but the poly coat seems tougher.

Make sure the metal is clean of any oil before applying, and let the poly cure for 72 Hr. before using. You'll want flat or mid-gloss, not glossy.

nanewt02 · March 26, 2014, 07:59 AM

Isn't there anything tougher than polyurethane out there?

nanewt02 · March 26, 2014, 08:01 AM

I was kind of looking into the durakote , but you think poly is better.

Dixie Gunsmithing · March 26, 2014, 09:33 AM

I've tried DuraCoat and the poly, and both will scratch if handled rough while hunting. The thing about the Poly is the ease of removal, if you have to re-coat it. The DuraCoat may be physically tougher, and how much, I'm not sure, but a scratch/scuff will show on either. I have not tried this method long enough to know which would outlast the other over time, but the poly seems to be easier to remove and re-do if need be. Remington and others use poly on their gun stocks, so from that one can get an idea of the toughness, somewhat, but the main things are that it's easy to apply, and to get back off if you bugger it up. You need to get a finish that is clear, plus one that will stick to clean steel, and I found the one from Rust-Oleum seems to do a good job for me.

http://www.rustoleum.com/product-cat...rethane-spray/

.

biohazard313 · March 26, 2014, 11:46 AM

ive used duracoat. i like it.

Roughedge · March 26, 2014, 03:44 PM

I have used this in clear and it works great. http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-to...-prod1117.aspx

nanewt02 · March 29, 2014, 12:23 AM

looks like good stuff. doesnt specify if it bonds to smooth surfaces

March 25, 2014, 11:10 PM	#1
nanewt02 Senior Member Join Date: February 25, 2013 Posts: 249	Can't figure out which coating to use I can do rust bluing , case hardening , etc. what I've never done are these new coatings on the market, I have a model 176 I would like to preserve the color case hardening on. I'm looking for a glossy clear coat. Can anyone recommend between the coatings. I don't think I can use Cerakote because it requires blasting. What about durakote, gun kote etc. I have ovens and spray guns

March 26, 2014, 06:46 AM	#2
Dixie Gunsmithing Moderator Emeritus Join Date: April 27, 2013 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,923	You will want something similar to a polyurethane clear coat, not acrylic. I just looked at a pistol that was polished down, and coated with acrylic clear, and it didn't turn out too good. I have been trying a furniture grade poly, by Rust-Oleum, on steel, and it has worn well. It is clear, no color to it, and goes on easy. A word of caution, though, is that any coating will be able to be damaged by scratches, etc., but the poly coat seems tougher. Make sure the metal is clean of any oil before applying, and let the poly cure for 72 Hr. before using. You'll want flat or mid-gloss, not glossy. Last edited by Dixie Gunsmithing; March 26, 2014 at 06:53 AM.

March 26, 2014, 03:44 PM	#7
Roughedge Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2011 Location: Monroe,NC Posts: 669	I have used this in clear and it works great. http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-to...-prod1117.aspx __________________ The man that die's with the most stuff win's!

March 26, 2014, 07:59 AM	#3
nanewt02 Senior Member Join Date: February 25, 2013 Posts: 249	Isn't there anything tougher than polyurethane out there?

March 26, 2014, 08:01 AM	#4
nanewt02 Senior Member Join Date: February 25, 2013 Posts: 249	I was kind of looking into the durakote , but you think poly is better.

March 26, 2014, 09:33 AM	#5
Dixie Gunsmithing Moderator Emeritus Join Date: April 27, 2013 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,923	I've tried DuraCoat and the poly, and both will scratch if handled rough while hunting. The thing about the Poly is the ease of removal, if you have to re-coat it. The DuraCoat may be physically tougher, and how much, I'm not sure, but a scratch/scuff will show on either. I have not tried this method long enough to know which would outlast the other over time, but the poly seems to be easier to remove and re-do if need be. Remington and others use poly on their gun stocks, so from that one can get an idea of the toughness, somewhat, but the main things are that it's easy to apply, and to get back off if you bugger it up. You need to get a finish that is clear, plus one that will stick to clean steel, and I found the one from Rust-Oleum seems to do a good job for me. http://www.rustoleum.com/product-cat...rethane-spray/ .

March 26, 2014, 11:46 AM	#6
biohazard313 Senior Member Join Date: October 16, 2013 Posts: 128	ive used duracoat. i like it.

March 29, 2014, 12:23 AM	#8
nanewt02 Senior Member Join Date: February 25, 2013 Posts: 249	looks like good stuff. doesnt specify if it bonds to smooth surfaces