Gun Refinishing and Coating - Help - Pictures?

Texas Rifleman · January 5, 2009, 09:50 AM

Out of the choices between spray on gun coatings, which is best? Here are some examples of what I'm talking about...

Gun-Kote
Cera-Hide
METACOL III
Cerakote
Norrells

This is something I want to do myself for a project or have done at Gander Mountain or a gunsmith. Any tips and/or tricks? If you have examples of your project or work please post pictures.

Mac's! · January 6, 2009, 12:11 PM

The "Best" is a matter of perspective and you'll get as many different answers as there are choices. I've been using Gunkote for thirty years and use it for firearms, RC boats, knives, assorted car parts, etc. Yes, I think it's the best because it fits my requirements for a finish.

I can't speak for your choices #2, #3 and #4 because I have no experience with them. The last I heard, Norrell's was just re-packaged Gunkote.

Gunkote will not rust and is 100% non-reactive to sweat, salt water, common acids, etc. It will burnish to a perfect fit which means it's fine for internals. It's heat rating is extremely high so it's safe for barrels that get smokin' hot. It's the perfect finish as far as I'm concerned but it does require forced heat curing. That can make it user un-freindly.

The biggest problem with some spray on finishes is that the sales person makes it seem so easy. "Just degrease, spray on our finish and let it cure for a month. And, if you order now, we'll double....etc." The most important part of any finish is the surface preparation. Appearance and durabilty are only as good as the initial surface prep.

The bottom line is that some finishes are better than others......for a particular requirement. Gunkote Molly Resin fits all of my requirements. Keep yer powder dry, Mac.
Mac's Shootin' Irons
Tuff-Gun Finishes. The Name Says It All.
http://www.shootiniron.com

Old Guard Dog · January 10, 2009, 07:21 AM

I just received some Duracoat coatings from Lauer. The DVD's available on line show prep being: degrease, blast with silicone carbide, then spray. You can bake the finish, but not necessary. It is a two-part finish.

Haven't used it yet. I have a couple of HD shotguns I plan to refinish with this product. Fortunately I have all the needed equipment: blasting cabinet, spray booth, spraygun, etc.

Will post results when done.

January 5, 2009, 09:50 AM	#1
Texas Rifleman Senior Member Join Date: July 21, 2007 Posts: 287	Gun Refinishing and Coating - Help - Pictures? Out of the choices between spray on gun coatings, which is best? Here are some examples of what I'm talking about... Gun-Kote Cera-Hide METACOL III Cerakote Norrells This is something I want to do myself for a project or have done at Gander Mountain or a gunsmith. Any tips and/or tricks? If you have examples of your project or work please post pictures. __________________ "The world is filled with violence. Because criminals carry guns, we decent law-abiding citizens should also have guns. Otherwise they will win and the decent people will lose." - James Earl Jones

January 6, 2009, 12:11 PM	#2
Mac's! Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2001 Posts: 129	The "Best" is a matter of perspective and you'll get as many different answers as there are choices. I've been using Gunkote for thirty years and use it for firearms, RC boats, knives, assorted car parts, etc. Yes, I think it's the best because it fits my requirements for a finish. I can't speak for your choices #2, #3 and #4 because I have no experience with them. The last I heard, Norrell's was just re-packaged Gunkote. Gunkote will not rust and is 100% non-reactive to sweat, salt water, common acids, etc. It will burnish to a perfect fit which means it's fine for internals. It's heat rating is extremely high so it's safe for barrels that get smokin' hot. It's the perfect finish as far as I'm concerned but it does require forced heat curing. That can make it user un-freindly. The biggest problem with some spray on finishes is that the sales person makes it seem so easy. "Just degrease, spray on our finish and let it cure for a month. And, if you order now, we'll double....etc." The most important part of any finish is the surface preparation. Appearance and durabilty are only as good as the initial surface prep. The bottom line is that some finishes are better than others......for a particular requirement. Gunkote Molly Resin fits all of my requirements. Keep yer powder dry, Mac. Mac's Shootin' Irons Tuff-Gun Finishes. The Name Says It All. http://www.shootiniron.com

January 10, 2009, 07:21 AM	#3
Old Guard Dog Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2008 Location: SE PA Posts: 101	I just received some Duracoat coatings from Lauer. The DVD's available on line show prep being: degrease, blast with silicone carbide, then spray. You can bake the finish, but not necessary. It is a two-part finish. Haven't used it yet. I have a couple of HD shotguns I plan to refinish with this product. Fortunately I have all the needed equipment: blasting cabinet, spray booth, spraygun, etc. Will post results when done.