DIY Gun Refinishing

Gather Materials

• In order to refinish your firearm, you will need a number of basic supplies. Refinishers should be applied using an airbrush or spray gun. You also need degreaser, hardener, reducer, tape and the tools necessary to disassemble your weapon. Some manufacturers will supply kits that include these tools.

  There are a number of brands of firearm refinishing products on the market. Certain products will require different types of care, maintenance and application, so be sure you know what you have available and what steps are involved. For instance, DuraCoat refinishing paint does not require that you bake the firearms to dry the paint; you can to quicken the drying process, but the paint will dry just fine on its own. On the other hand, Moly Resin refinisher requires at least an hour of baking for the paint to fully set.

  If you are using DuraCoat refinisher, be sure to use DuraCoat hardener and reducer as well, as mixing these products with other brands will limit the effectiveness of the hardener and the reducer.

Tips and Tricks

• Always disassemble, clean and degrease your gun before attempting to refinish. Any dirt or oil left on the gun's surface will affect the way the refinisher adheres to the surface, often resulting in bubbling or flaking.

  Plug or mask any area of the gun you don't wish to be painted. You also can use the tape or templates that come with DuraCoat products to create patterns and designs on your gun.

  Test the airbrush on a spare piece of metal or plastic before using it on your gun. If you notice spotting, sticking or cloudiness you need to make adjustments to your paint mixture (with hardener or reducer) or to the pressure in your airbrush. This also will give you the chance to see the color and make sure it is what you really want for your gun.

  Perform the refinishing in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside. Chemicals produce strong fumes, and baking the pieces causes an unpleasant smell. If you can't do the refinishing outside, wear a respirator to protect yourself from breathing in the harmful fumes.

  Drying time varies by product. Moly Resin refinisher requires baking to ensure proper adherence and drying. If you decide to use DuraCoat you can either bake the tools, or leave them out to dry overnight.

  Never attempt to reassemble or fire your gun if you have not allowed for proper drying time for the parts of the firearms, per product instructions. You can end up with refinisher clogging up areas of the gun, which could ruin it permanently.