AK Finish

[AaronHorrocks]

With several builds almost done, I'm looking at finishing my Bulgarian AK74s soon.

I'd prefer a thick low gloss black finish like the bulgarian kits have, but I'll settle for matte black if that's all I can get.

I've heard "duracoat" but this starter kit is freaking expensive!

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/productdetail.aspx?p=17640&st=duracoat&s=

What exactly do I NEED to use duracoat?



EDIT:
Or maybe I'll just pick up this stuff here:

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=1143&title=AEROSOL%20BAKING%20LACQUER

[tujungatoes]

Buy direct from Lauer. It's cheaper, and comes with whatever color you want.

http://www.lauerweaponry.com/index.cfm?Category=218

I used duracoat on my retro AR. If you can spray paint....you can duracoat.:-)

[AaronHorrocks]

Duracoat looks like too much effort for a simple AK build.

[xrMike]

I bought an AK74 stock set once that had the receiver stub still on the buttstock. I was impressed by the finish on that thing. Very thick, black parkerized finish.

I belive there's 2 kinds of park. One is zinc, which yeilds a fine-grained, gray finish.

The other is manganese, which gives a course-grained, black finish.

That AK74 was manganese-parked I'm pretty sure.

[tujungatoes]

Duracoat looks like too much effort for a simple AK build.

Actually duracoat is really easy. But....you could just do it the tujunga way.

[SJgunguy24]

Brownells Alumhyde 2 in matte black turned out great for me. So far i've had 2 BLM trips, 4 range trips and at least 1000 rounds and the stuff is holding up like a champ. No baking required and rattle can convience.

[Full Clip]

Wheeler Cerama-coat worked great for me on an SKS.
Rattle can, but does require baking. Not a big deal.
One account: http://www.shootingtimes.com/gunsmit...06/index1.html

[AaronHorrocks]

Krylon is garbage. I'd sooner take a dump on my high quality expensive Bulgarian kit. At least it'd be less of an insult and easier to clean off.



Spray and bake is the direction I'm leaning twards most. This Duracoat stuff looks like it's way too complex for a simple AK. I want a thick, black, low-gloss finish.

[drawn]

Combat Black is one of my favorite colors. It's extremely Black and slightly satin to resist marring.

Krylon is garbage. I'd sooner take a dump on my high quality expensive Bulgarian kit. At least it'd be less of an insult and easier to clean off.



Spray and bake is the direction I'm leaning towards most. This DuraCoat stuff looks like it's way too complex for a simple AK. I want a thick, black, low-gloss finish.

Seems you feel it deserves an awesome finish

[AaronHorrocks]

Okay, Mr Duracoat expert, then how do I duracoat?

What's up with all these little containers in the kit? Are there instructions on line? Do I really need the "kit" looks like it comes with a bunch of junk that I don't need...
Do I need an aircompressor? mine tends to pop the circuit breaker so I can't really use it at my house.

[MrNiceGuy]

Ooo.....me want watch.
I might go the Duracoat way on my super nice Bulgy kit if yours turns out well.

[arfan66]

Well, if you aren't comfortable with an airbrush & two part paints you can:

a) Lower your standards and accept the simplicity of a rattle can finish

b) Send your project to a professional and enjoy your investment - trust me, you'll love DuraCoat once you use/see it in person.

Honestly, all you need is an airbrush (the better the brush, the nicer the end result) a kit of whatever color DuraCoat paint. I've painted three rifles (2 AK's & an AR), several paintball guns so far with excellent results and I far from being a 'professional'.

Good Luck!

[sava6e]

do i sense a "paint party" coming on? id liek to join if so i have a few things that need painting

[JamesY]

I have a good quality airbrush and compressor...

Next time I see you, I'll bring several samples of duracoated and guncoated things and you can judge for yourself. They all turned out GREAT!

[AaronHorrocks]

If your aircompressor is LESS THAN 4HP (so it won't kill my breakers), then you can come on over! Let's get this thing going.