Paint AR-15

[Tactical]

Just wanted to get some opinions on how to paint an AR-15 and what paint to use. I didn't see any other discussions about this topic anywhere else. Just looking for better than a spray can but cheaper than cerakoat. Of course durability counts too so I may just go with cerakoat. I don't know if doing a clear cerakoat over spray paint would improve durability or not. Any tricks?

[hurley842002]

I don't know if doing a clear cerakoat over spray paint would improve durability or not. Any tricks?

At that point why wouldn't you just cerakote the gun whatever color you wanted in the first place?

[Double00]

You tube has a tone of videos and advice.

[trlcavscout]

You can use the krylon clear matte finish over the paint to help protect it.

[ray1970]

There are several threads about this here if you search.

I vote Krylon. When it gets to looking too bad you just touch it up. Plus, it's easier to remove if you change your mind.

[theGinsue]

Actually painting a firearm? Sacrilege! I cringe every time I see a painted firearm or accessory.

Ceracoat it if you want a different color, or do a hydrographic dip.

[hurley842002]

Actually painting a firearm? Sacrilege! I cringe every time I see a painted firearm or accessory.

Pretty much my thoughts on the topic.

[trlcavscout]

They are just pieces of metal. Paint as desired or whatever. Their are VERY few guns i wouldnt customize to meet my needs, and i cannot afford any of them on that list.

[hatidua]

Rustoleum (seems to 'spit' less than Krylon).

[ray1970]

Rustoleum (seems to 'spit' less than Krylon).

You're just not doing it right.
[Coffee]

[Tactical]

Thank you all.

[hatidua]

You're just not doing it right.
[Coffee]

not the first time I've heard that :(

[ray1970]

Seriously, I did an entire AR in OD green once and just didn't like it. Some mineral spirits, an old toothbrush, and a little elbow grease and you couldn't even tell it had ever been painted.

[KS63]

Are you just changing the color from black to something else or are you trying for some kind of a pattern? Does the gun have any sort of "value" to you or is it a tool that's used, abused and replaced without a whim? If it's the former, Cerakote. The other? Who cares what color it is then. Function over appearance is what I say.

[SA Friday]

Alum-a-hide is better than Krylon and is still just a spray can.

Completely disassemble the parts, thoroughly degrease the parts, non-chlorinated break cleaner works very well for this. Lightly sand the pieces. Paint and either oven cure or hand cure for a week. Do NOT use your house oven. tape and fill holes and internal areas of the upper and lower. Prep work is your friend. The painting is light coatings and you will be fine.

PREP WORK cannot be over-stressed.

[denverco]

Rustoleum (seems to 'spit' less than Krylon).
Anytime you rattle can anything you should put all those cans in a bath of warm water. It raises the internal pressure of the can and stops the spitting and blotting of the spray.

[Colohunter]

I used Brownells Alumahyde on my 6.8 and I've been pretty happy with the results. I doubt it is nearly as durable as Cerakote, but it comes in a spray can and has held up pretty well over the last several years.

[Robb]

65558

I was more than hesitant about painting a gun, but the idea was eating at me and I finally broke down and tried it on my fungun. I used some Aervoe spraypaint, it seems to stick well on my kids projects. I also shot some matte over it.
I just wiped the entire gun down in acetone, taped off the zoom ring, and fogged it OD and Sand over the base black. I didn't want too much paint on it in case I regretted it. But since I've painted it, it's grown on me.

Excellent tip on the cans in a bath of warm water by the way. I never knew that.