Do it yourself duracoating

Martian_Summer · September 21, 2012, 12:52 AM

I have an old pistol that shoots like a dream but it's got a lot of superficial wear. I've looked into having it reblued, but the more I think about it, I'd like to have it not look like every other model out there, which brings me to duracoating. It's like to give it a bi-tone look with maybe black and desert beige going on.

I can't find anyone in my immediate area who does this, but there are DIY kits available. I live in an apartment, so I don't have a yard or a garage to do this. How messy is it and is there any danger from fumes? Further, how much risk am I running of messing up my gun forever? That is to say, is it possible to simply remove the "paint" and start over?

I just don't want to get into something over my head here.

Thanks.

Scorch · September 21, 2012, 03:20 AM

If you just want something simple, Duracoat is not it (good finish, just not simple). Simple: Brownells sells baking lacquer in a variety of colors. Just rough up the finish (I recommend 220 grit wet/dry paper on a wooden block, try to keep the lines straight, just few swipes to expose new metal), degrease with alcohol or acetone, spray on the lacquer holding the parts on a stick or wire, the bake in your oven for an hour. Let it cool, then reassemble.

Mac's! · September 21, 2012, 02:05 PM

Any finish that you apply is only as good as the preparation work. To do it right, you'll have to 100% disassemble and abrasive blast each part that is getting the new finish. I've never used duracoat (and refuse to!) so I don't know how messy it is. Any finish that you have to cook to cure, will produce fumes and smells. That may not be a problem for you but remember: In this day and age, strange "chemically" smells coming out of an apartment will cause curiousity and maybe even bring the cops. Keep yer powder dry, Mac.
Tuff-Gun Finishes. The Name Says It All.
Mac's Shootin' Irons
http://www.shootiniron.com

cmoulton · September 21, 2012, 03:22 PM

I used gunkote on my old beretta heres the thread I made, it held up very well!

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=472112

tobnpr · September 23, 2012, 04:44 PM

Duracoat on my CZ-82, from a Preval sprayer.
No special prep after disassembly, other than degreasing (no bead blasting).
Trick (as with any spray job) is a series of light coats to avoid runs. Runs, you're done...

September 21, 2012, 12:52 AM	#1
Martian_Summer Junior Member Join Date: June 28, 2012 Location: The Mid Atlantic Posts: 9	Do it yourself duracoating I have an old pistol that shoots like a dream but it's got a lot of superficial wear. I've looked into having it reblued, but the more I think about it, I'd like to have it not look like every other model out there, which brings me to duracoating. It's like to give it a bi-tone look with maybe black and desert beige going on. I can't find anyone in my immediate area who does this, but there are DIY kits available. I live in an apartment, so I don't have a yard or a garage to do this. How messy is it and is there any danger from fumes? Further, how much risk am I running of messing up my gun forever? That is to say, is it possible to simply remove the "paint" and start over? I just don't want to get into something over my head here. Thanks.

September 21, 2012, 03:20 AM	#2
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 11,039	If you just want something simple, Duracoat is not it (good finish, just not simple). Simple: Brownells sells baking lacquer in a variety of colors. Just rough up the finish (I recommend 220 grit wet/dry paper on a wooden block, try to keep the lines straight, just few swipes to expose new metal), degrease with alcohol or acetone, spray on the lacquer holding the parts on a stick or wire, the bake in your oven for an hour. Let it cool, then reassemble. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Taylor Machine

September 21, 2012, 02:05 PM	#3
Mac's! Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2001 Posts: 124	Any finish that you apply is only as good as the preparation work. To do it right, you'll have to 100% disassemble and abrasive blast each part that is getting the new finish. I've never used duracoat (and refuse to!) so I don't know how messy it is. Any finish that you have to cook to cure, will produce fumes and smells. That may not be a problem for you but remember: In this day and age, strange "chemically" smells coming out of an apartment will cause curiousity and maybe even bring the cops. Keep yer powder dry, Mac. Tuff-Gun Finishes. The Name Says It All. Mac's Shootin' Irons http://www.shootiniron.com

September 21, 2012, 03:22 PM	#4
cmoulton Member Join Date: December 18, 2011 Location: 757 Posts: 37	I used gunkote on my old beretta heres the thread I made, it held up very well! http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=472112

September 23, 2012, 04:44 PM	#5
tobnpr Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2010 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 2,212	Duracoat on my CZ-82, from a Preval sprayer. No special prep after disassembly, other than degreasing (no bead blasting). Trick (as with any spray job) is a series of light coats to avoid runs. Runs, you're done...