Should I Cerakote or Spray paint my Gun?

Most Firearms come in black are incredibly common. So why settle for a firearm that resembles everyone else's when you can own a unique masterpiece that truly reflects your individuality and preferences? The good news is that customizing your pistol or rifle doesn't require intricate procedures or exorbitant expenses. With a can of spray paint and a modest investment of time, you can effortlessly transform your gun into a personalized work of art. For those unfamiliar with the process of painting a gun, fret not. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, covering all the essential details you need to embark on this endeavor. From the optimal paint choices for the task to step-by-step instructions on how to paint your gun within the comfort of your own home, you'll find everything you need right here.

Is it Legal to Paint MY Firearm?

Engaging in the process of painting your firearm is fully within the bounds of legality, as long as the chosen paint does not conceal the fact that the firearm is indeed real. It is crucial to exercise caution in this regard. For instance, applying orange or red paint solely to the muzzle could potentially give a gun the appearance of a toy or an Airsoft gun. Moreover, it is essential to ensure that the paint job does not obstruct or cause any harm to the firearm's serial number.

How Difficult is it to Paint my Firearm?

Customizing the appearance of your firearm through painting can be a straightforward task if you have the required materials and a clear understanding of the process. The job typically involves cleaning the firearm thoroughly. Additionally, depending on the complexity of the paint job, it may be necessary to disassemble the firearm and reassemble it once the paint has dried. It's important to note that the drying time of the paint is crucial, and allowing it to fully dry is necessary before using the gun again. The entire process can take approximately two to three hours, ensuring that the paint has ample time to dry and adhere properly before the firearm is put back into operation. Opting to have a professional paint your firearm brings the advantage of reduced effort on your part and a higher probability of achieving a well-executed paint job. However, it is worth considering that painting your gun yourself can be a more cost-effective option. Additionally, if you choose to outsource the painting process and later replace any gun components, you will need to send your firearm back for another paint job. Failing to do so may result in an appearance of mismatched pieces, giving your firearm a "Frankenstein gun" look.

What kind of Paint Should I Use on my Firearm?

When it comes to painting, there are two favored options to choose from. If you prefer a DIY approach at home, several affordable and easily accessible methods are available. I will being using an AR-15 for this example. Here are a few popular options: Spray Paint Spray paint is a convenient and cost-effective way to personalize your firearms. However, not all spray paints are suitable for gun applications. Not only spray paint takes less time, it gives you forgiveness on spots you need to cover or re-do. To ensure the best results for your AR-15, consider the following spray paint options:

1. Krylon: Krylon spray paint offers a wide range of colors and dries quickly in less than 30 minutes. It can be used to paint all parts of your firearm or touch up any scratched areas.
2. Rust-Oleum: Rust-Oleum is a popular and affordable spray paint specifically designed for metal surfaces that tend to get hot quickly. If you plan to paint the barrel of your gun, look for a Rust-Oleum product with high-temperature resistance.
3. Dupli-Color Enamel: Dupli-Color Engine Enamel is a slightly pricier spray paint option. It contains ceramic particles that enhance heat tolerance and durability. After applying the paint, you can even oven-bake your sprayed gun to cure the paint and increase its longevity.

Down below is an example of spray painting your AR-15 build. Cerakote Cerakote is a specialized paint coating that offers superior durability and heat resistance for firearms. While it doesn't come in a spray can, it can be applied using a spray gun. Here are two options to consider:

1. Cerakote H Series: This advanced ceramic resin-based paint provides exceptional durability and can withstand temperatures up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. It offers a wide range of colors but requires a longer drying and curing time, typically up to five days.
2. Cerakote Elite Series: The Elite Series requires oven curing and contains an advanced ceramic resin that can endure temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. With this paint, your gun will be ready for use within 24 hours. Additionally, it offers excellent scratch and corrosion resistance, as well as increased lubricity to reduce friction between moving parts. Cerakote example below:

Consider these options when choosing the method and paint type for your AR-15 customization, depending on your preferences and the specific requirements of your project and do yourself a favor, DO THIS IN A WELL VENTILATED ROOM! Test Your AR-15 Once you have completed the painting, drying, and reassembly of your newly customized AR-15, it is crucial to perform a thorough functionality test. Take the time to test and dry fire the firearm to ensure that everything is in proper working order. By neglecting this important step, you risk the potential embarrassment of arriving at a shooting range or hunting trip with a visually appealing gun that fails to deliver the expected performance. So, don't overlook this essential test to ensure that your AR-15 not only looks great but also performs flawlessly. Need bulk rifle ammo? Check out our rifle ammo section to see what's available!

Is Cerakote and Spray Paint Visible Under IR Light?

This has been a great debate for some time. Sometimes the main reason for individuals painting their guns is to hide from IR (Infrared) light. Meaning, individuals dont want to be seen under night vision devices that have the capability to almost spot anything in dark and low light situations. At the end of the day, there hasn't been any proven tests on which one is better under IR light. The most prominent colors that reflect the most under IR light is white, chrome and some special cerakote blends. If you are wanting to stay under the radar when it comes to night vision devices, try to avoid anything with white and use darker tones and patterns. Need bulk ammo? At True Shot Gun Club, we have a wide variety of handgun ammo and rifle ammo available to purchase. Please visit our website trueshotgunclub.com, call us at (888) 736-6587, or you can email us at sales@trueshotgunclub.com for more rifle ammo options.