Firearm Painting

BryanK · 09-08-2009, 12:48

I was looking online and on PS for different custom firearm paint designs. Most importantly if anyone had any tips on how to paint their firearm(s). I came across this web page, and the pattern is close to what I want. The person walks you through the process from start to finish also. Just thought I'd share this with you all in case you wanted to try something different than what I've seen on other threads. Camo

swpa19 · 09-08-2009, 13:32

The article posted tells you how to make what you might feel is a "cool" looking rifle. If thats your goal, have at it.

But, what the author neglected to do, was to tell you about preparation of the substrates. Preparation in ANY paint job is 99% of the finished product. Without the proper prep, that "cool" looking camo job will probably make it through one season, given the amount of temp changes, exposure to solvents and just general usage.

BryanK · 09-08-2009, 13:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by swpa19

The article posted tells you how to make what you might feel is a "cool" looking rifle. If thats your goal, have at it.

But, what the author neglected to do, was to tell you about preparation of the substrates. Preparation in ANY paint job is 99% of the finished product. Without the proper prep, that "cool" looking camo job will probably make it through one season, given the amount of temp changes, exposure to solvents and just general usage.

Agreed. He didn't delve into degreasing or even disassembling the firearm first either. I have just used a primer and Krylon to coat several firearms, and they have withstood some beatings. However the premise of the basic pattern is a good idea. You can base a lot of different patterns off of his initial camouflage of the corners, and round edges. The use off the various foliage around whatever terrain you hunt in was also a good point. The Duracoat patterns and products I've used and seen are cheesy too. I just wanted to bring to light a different more cost efficient way of camouflaging a firearm that others may not have known. It aint easy bein' cheesy

swpa19 · 09-08-2009, 14:42

De-greasing, using PrepSol, PPG's DX190 etc. is the basic way to start. Also, 3M scuff pads and an adhesive promoter such as "Bulldog" on your composite parts is another tool to use.

One positive point he did make is to study your hunting area, and the time of year your particular season starts.

Like any other piece of art the rule of thumb applies. "Dark and Light, Loose to Tight".

**Razor** · 09-08-2009, 14:53

Squint your eyes and look at the picture of the finished product. All the details fade away and you're left with what appears to be a single color. That's what the rifle will look like to anyone past about 20 feet. Sure, it looks cool up close, but depending on the intended use, it may be more effective to just use large blobs of contrasting colors that remain distinguishable at longer distance to break up recognizable shapes and outlines. If you plan to count coup on turkeys, then by all means put all that effort into painting your rifle.

devinsdad · 09-16-2009, 09:19

While I am by no means an artist, I have found that 3-4 inch overlapping stripes or "swatches" produce the best results (done without tape or tiny digital squares). Razor is correct, up close...it looks cool, out past 20-30 feet...it's one color. Broad strokes do the best job. At least for my opinion.

**The Reaper** · 09-16-2009, 11:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by devinsdad

While I am by no means an artist, I have found that 3-4 inch overlapping stripes or "swatches" produce the best results (done without tape or tiny digital squares). Razor is correct, up close...it looks cool, out past 20-30 feet...it's one color. Broad strokes do the best job. At least for my opinion.

Might want to go back, read the rules, and comply before posting again, Dad.

TR