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Opinions on coloring AR parts

PostPosted: Tue Oct 09, 2012 8:10 pm
by JeffD
I just picked up another lower and want to do some sort of tan or camo finish. I was wondering what finishes work the best? I looked at AlumaHyde and Duracoat so far. Both seem to be spray epoxy. Will the finish last? I would like to do this myself but would it be better to get some sort of professional finish done? Let me know what you have tried and how you like it.

Thanks,
Jeff

Re: Opinions on coloring AR parts

PostPosted: Tue Oct 09, 2012 8:35 pm
by Shawski
I sprayed duracoat on one of mine, pretty easy to do. Seems to be holding up well. Making sure the metal is clean is the important part.

Re: Opinions on coloring AR parts

PostPosted: Tue Oct 09, 2012 8:50 pm
by Hmac
I think Cerakote is more durable than Duracoat. I've had Duracoat done locally and sent stuff off to be Cerakoted...I prefer the latter finish. I used Alternative Firearms Coating and have been pleased. http://www.acoating.com/

Re: Opinions on coloring AR parts

PostPosted: Wed Oct 10, 2012 6:40 am
by Countryfried Frank
I'm aldo interested in Dura Coat. What should I look for in an airbrush?

Re: Opinions on coloring AR parts

PostPosted: Wed Oct 10, 2012 7:03 am
by FJ540
Hmac, did you let the duracote cure fully before using it?

Ryan won't let the parts out of the cure tank for 3 full weeks when he does it.

Re: Opinions on coloring AR parts

PostPosted: Wed Oct 10, 2012 7:32 am
by Hmac
FJ540 wrote:Hmac, did you let the duracote cure fully before using it?

Ryan won't let the parts out of the cure tank for 3 full weeks when he does it.


I don't remember the details...it's been awhile, but I know it was less than three weeks. Probably closer to a week. I don't know exactly what curing process the guy used.

My experience is limited and may not be reflective of the merits of Duracoat vs Cerakote. I only know that the total Cerakote experience met my overall expectations better than my Duracoat experience.

Re: Opinions on coloring AR parts

PostPosted: Wed Oct 10, 2012 8:25 am
by rugersol
Countryfried Frank wrote:I'm aldo interested in Dura Coat. What should I look for in an airbrush?

IIRC, this is the one I used ... http://www.amazon.com/Paasche-H-SET-Single-Action-Airbrush/dp/B004O7HTYU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349878648&sr=8-1

I duracoated my AR pistol ... I think the finish wears a LOT better than the phosphate!

I'd hafta double-check the deflector ... but other than that, I'd say it's as nice as the day I applied it!

Re: Opinions on coloring AR parts

PostPosted: Wed Oct 10, 2012 10:10 am
by Shawski
I used my Iwata Eclipse airbrush and Iwata air compressor. Total overkill but you can use something a lot cheaper to spray Duracoat.

Re: Opinions on coloring AR parts

PostPosted: Sat Oct 13, 2012 8:50 pm
by Consummate
I do a bit of both duracoat and cerakote. My preference varies on the item to be coated, and how soon it needs to be done. :)

Re: Opinions on coloring AR parts

PostPosted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 8:12 pm
by HeadHunter
Ive had things painted in both, multiple guns....cerakote is tough as nails and gets my vote every time....Make sure its a color you like though cause once its on there....well you get the idea....

Re: Opinions on coloring AR parts

PostPosted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 8:30 pm
by Cadet
Ive done multiple Duracoat jobs and I simply bought and use http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/ ... 95630.html
It works great!

Re: Opinions on coloring AR parts

PostPosted: Sun Oct 21, 2012 9:46 am
by JeffD
I have a friend that owns a body shop. He suggested an epoxy paint and sealer. Anyone tried this? I would imagine it is similar to the other products. As for the time frame I don't have all the parts yet so I'm not in a rush. Just looking for options. Thanks for all the tips!