The DIY that accompanies firearm ownership is restoring your own gun. And to attain a smooth finish on your gun, you need the best spray paint.
We have a lot of products available in the market, but not all are able to give you that quality finish.
But don’t worry, here we have come up with the buyer’s guide. That will give the insight to help you make an informed decision. We have also created a shortlist of the best gun paints you can buy from Amazon.
Why Should You Paint a Gun?
Painting a gun isn’t an easy task but gun owners still get themselves to do it. Is it really necessary? some might ask. For someone who loves their firearm, this isn’t really a question.
Over time the appearance of your favorite gun deteriorates. Blame this on nicks and scratches on the surface. And peeling off and fading out of the paint as a result of heat produced while firing rounds.
This is where the spray paint comes in. Spray paint is the preferred method because it is cost-effective. And the small size makes it easy to use when applying paint to all the tiny grooves on the firearm.
Painting a gun can also be a form of art. To give your gun that bespoke look that will make it stand out at the firing range.
All this requires spray paint with the best formulation. To make it adhere well on the surface, and also last for a substantial duration.
How To Paint a Gun
Following the right procedure, painting a gun will be straightforward process. These are the steps that will ensure you get perfect results.
Step 1- Set up the painting area
You don’t want the spray paint damaging other surfaces in your workshop. That’s why you need to separate the area you will use to paint your gun. Ensure there is proper ventilation and use a reusable respirator to protect your face from aerosol chemicals.
You’ll also realize that it’s easy to paint some parts while they are suspended in the air. It’s in this step that you will set up a hanging area.
Step 2- Disassemble the gun
Depending on the type of gun, we have different disassembly processes. Disassembly is done to be able to access difficult-to-reach areas. And to prevent the painting of unwanted parts.
Step 3- Prep the surface
Painting happens for a variety of reasons, and this determines the process to follow when prepping the gun surface. If you want to decorate the existing surface, you’ll definitely let the paint stay. But if you want a fresh new coat you have to get rid of the old one.
The best way to do this is using a sandblaster. These are known to produce perfect results. A cheaper alternative is using sandpaper. This may not match the quality of the sandblaster. Unless you do it extremely well and change the grit size as you move on.
After the sanding is done do a proper cleaning. You can use a quick dry solvent, to remove any debris that will affect the final quality.
Step 4- Masking
After you are done cleaning the gun use masking tape to cover all the surfaces. Which you do not want to coat with paint. You can use modeling clay to cover the inside of the barrel.
Step 5- Spray the paint
It’s obvious at this step, you have already decided on the type of paint you want to use for your project.
Spray the paint sparingly to prevent it from dripping. And ensure you reach all the areas. If a second coat is required give the first coat adequate time to dry up before you can repeat.
Step 6- Finishing
After you are through, give the gun time to dry up fully. Ideally, a day will suffice. Remove the masking tape and check for any overspray. Which you carefully remove using acetone.
Step7- Reassemble the gun ready for use.
Best Spray Paint for Gun- Top Picks
1) Dupli-Color EDE163407 Spray Paint
This spray paint will withstand a lot of abuse, because it’s meant to be applied to a car’s engine block. Some of its most desirable characteristics include; the ability to withstand temperatures up to 500℉. Takes a fairly short time of 30 minutes to dry up. And has a formulation to give you a glossy appearance for a much longer time.
Features
- Gloss finish
- 12fl oz. quantity
- EZ Touch Conical Nozzle
What we like
- Wide range of colors
- High level of heat resistance
- Offers a durable finish
- Difficult to peel off
What we dislike
- Some color shades slightly differ to what is indicated
2) Krylon K05160107 ColorMaster Spray Paint
If you want a spray paint that gives a perfect finish irrespective of the type of surface then this is the right one for you. This is because it has been optimized to adhere to any surface. Whether it’s; wood, plastic, metal, or ceramic.
This paint undoubtedly looks good, with a variety of brilliant colors available. And it only takes 10 minutes to dry up.
Features
- Gloss finish
- EZ touch nozzle
- Dries up in 10 mins
What we like
- Dries up fast.
- Adheres to many surfaces
- Variety of brilliant colors
- Weather resistant
What we dislike
- The heavy thickness of the paint may not appeal to some people.
3) Rust-Oleum 279176 spray paint
What’s more, you have the option to apply this to a variety of materials. To be used both indoors and on the outside.
The paint dries up in 20 minutes to give you a matte long lasting finish.
Features
- Works on metal, wood, and plastics
- Non-reflective appearance
- Covers up to 24 sq. ft.
- Dries to touch in 20 mins
What we like
- Long-lasting on the surface.
- Lovely matte finish.
- Bigger coverage than most spray paints.
- Weather resistant.
What we dislike
- Different colors required for a camouflage pattern.
4) Wheeler Cerama-Matte Coating spray paint
Features
- 4 fl. oz. quantity
- Available in black, flat dark earth, and olive drab
- Matte finish
What we like
- Offers superior protection to your gun
- Optimized for a variety of surfaces
- Easy to use
What we dislike
- Requires baking to properly adhere
5) Seymour EN-42 Engine Spray Paint
You’ll be pleased to know that the spray paint doesn’t contain any traces of lead, cadmium, mercury, chromates, or chlorinated solvents. So, you are assured of a clean formulation that adheres to the surface in less than 10 minutes.
Features
- Gloss finish
- 12 fl. Oz quantity
- Heat resistant to 300℉.
What we like
- Durable and long-lasting
- Adheres quickly to a surface
- Naturally clean formulation
- Wide variety of colors
What we dislike
- A bit pricey
Best Spray Paint for Gun- Buyer’s Guide
Before you get a paint for your gun look at the following characteristics.
1. Durability
Guns are subjected to harsh conditions which really goes hard on the paint. Some of these include; heavy impact, weather elements, oxidation, moisture, and heat. A good paint should be able to withstand all these conditions.
2. Adhesion
A good spray paint needs to be able to properly adhere to the gun surface. Make sure you get to know the material for which the spray paint is suited. We have spray paints optimized for; wood, metal, plastic, canvas, and many other surfaces.
3. Dry Time
Most spray paints have a specified drying time to help you decide which one is more appropriate for your job. Not that the drying time would affect the quality of the output. But a fast-dry paint saves you valuable time on a project.
A fast-drying paint takes less than 20 mins to dry up after it’s applied. But more than an hour for normal drying paint.
4. Price
Not always does the price reflect the quality. Sometimes it may be because of the brand of paint. Always be on the lookout for affordable options that will still offer a superior quality.
Final Verdict
Painting a gun is an easy and fun activity. The results however depend on the quality of the paint. And how well you prepare the surface before you begin the process.
We are sure that the list of spray paints we have given will provide you with the best quality. At the most affordable price.