Duracoat refinishing?

[BigShep85]

I found a smith locally who applies duracoat and was thinking of having a handgun coated. does anybody have any firsthand experience with this? Maybe some pictures or info? any would be appreciated.
how durable is it as far as holster wear, scratching, etc.
Thanks.

 

[9mm]

Every gun show I go to, there is like two tables that offer to color your gun.


"duracoat gun" type this into google images you can see quite a few guns.

I think they run $80 for work, not sure.

They do a good job though, They have about 5 different guns on disply, AK/AR and a few handguns.

 

[cwok]

Check out the ...

... gunsmiths reputation. Ask when you visit your local gun store - clerks and customers standing around when you ask.

If he is worth using - he'll give you the straight scoop on specific type of duracoat he uses and how it has held up for his customers.

If he is has a poor reputation -- stay away.

If you can't find anyone who has has had him work on their weapon(s) -- that might be a hint.
.

 

[308Gunner]

I did Duracoat work myself at home, and was rather pleased with it. It's rather easy to DIY; all you need is some sandpaper, an airbrush, and the paint. And doing it yourself can be done for half the price (if $80 is the going rate), of course that's if you already have the airbrush, I suppose.

It looks nice, but I also wouldn't slap it on an expensive piece. It's about as durable as any finish; it'll scratch off it takes a ding or something like that, and will wear over time if being put in and out of a holster. Like any paint job, too, the prep work is almost more important than the painting. Don't get the surface ready properly and it'll come right off. Plus it needs a few weeks to cure, so keep that in mind if you're having your EDC done, it'll be out of commission for a bit of you don't want the finish coming off.

Ask if he's got any examples of his work. Just out of curiosity, what pistol are you thinking of having done?

Couple pics of my Duracoated SIG. I did the slide;

 

[BigShep85]

Third Generation S&W

I was considering picking up a cheap third generation S&W since most of them have been marked up pretty good anyway and having it done in dark earth or something like that.
I like the looks of it though.

 

[308Gunner]

It does come out really nice, despite all the detractors who think paint belongs to the 'mall ninjas.' Dark earth would look nice, I re-did a synthetic stock in coyote tan and looks awesome. If it's just some cheapie you're gonna pick up somewhere, have at it! I wouldn't take a $1,000 AR or 700 or something like that and paint it up, but an old S&W, why not?

 

[dreamweaver]

if you don't mind matte black, ceramacoat, available at brownells and midway, is a bake on you can do in the kitchen.
very durable and easy to do. $40 gets a spray can that will do 3 handguns.

 

[Don Glock]

i've seen quite a few pistols and rifles duracoated, and done very well. one thing i noticed is the "dura" in the title is somewhat of a misnomer. it doesn't seem to be that durable at all. you get what you pay for.

 

[GoOfY-FoOt]

I was considering picking up a cheap third generation S&W since most of them have been marked up pretty good anyway and having it done in dark earth or something like that.

Here is a pic of an older Smith that Mike at Strongside Arms, Inc. in Bushnell Florida did in a tri-tone Duracoat...Flat black and polished stainless over OD green...One of a kind...


COOL GUN-S&W 5906 Tri-Tone Duracoat with CTC Grips

As for the durability of Duracoat, It is greatly increased with proper curing. Which was accurately described as taking considerable time.
Up to three months for complete hardening, without baking first. (DIY)

A competent refinisher, like Strongside Arms, Inc. has the proper equipment to ensure a quality finished product and generally stands behind their work.
DO YOUR RESEARCH.!.!.!

 

[Mobuck]

My suggestion is to get a look at a similar job the business has done before making the leap. I sent a beatup Ruger P89 to an unknown shop for a Duracoat(tm) finish and it came back disfunctional. Not only that but by the time it was delivered, the finish had already worn off in two places from rubbing on the plastic case(Ruger storage case-bare plastic interior) because they hadn't even wrapped it in paper before placing it in the case.
I still can't get the pistol apart but it does fire every 2nd attempt. If you have it done locally, you have the option of laying it back on their counter and demanding correction of any problems.

 

[triumph666]

I used KG Gunkote which is a bake on finish...i like the quality alot...i've done 2 shotguns and a couple of pistols with it......

1 sandblast the item with fine media
2 degrease the item
3 spray k-phos phosphorous treatment on item
4 spray on few coats of KG Gunkote
5 bake in oven at 350 for 1 hour
6 reassemble and enjoy