How to Paint Guns

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You can easily change the color of any rifle or pistol by painting it in it’s entirety or painting individual pieces. However, it’s important that you have thorough knowledge of the gun first, as you may need to disassemble and reassemble it to complete this project. Be sure to follow all rules and regulations concerning gun ownership and operation in your area, and never paint a fake gun to make it look real. [1]

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Prepping the Gun

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  1. The procedure for disassembling a gun varies by model. If you haven’t done this before, follow the instructions provided in the manual or watch instructional videos online. Take pictures throughout the process so that you can refer to them when reassembling the gun.
  2. The best way to sand the parts is to use a sandblaster to remove the existing paint or coating from the metal. Use 120-grit aluminum oxide blasting media. If you can’t access a sandblaster, rough up the surface of the existing paint with sandpaper. This process preps the pieces so the new paint will adhere evenly.
    • You can rent a sandblaster from your local home improvement store.
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  3. You need an aerosol degreasing agent that dries without residue, like Brakleen or TruStrip Solvent. Put on gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, and eye protection, such as a face shield. Be sure you are working in a well-ventilated area. Spray each metal part with the degreasing agent and wipe it down with a clean, lint-free cloth.
    • Clean plastic pieces with 91% isopropyl alcohol instead of the aerosol degreasing agent. [2]
    • Use clean gloves to handle the clean parts as oils from your fingers will mar the surface and prevent the paint from adhering properly.
  4. Use masking tape to cover all moving parts as well as any areas that you don’t want painted, like the trigger and trigger guard. Use modeling clay or foam ear plugs to plug holes in parts like the barrel so paint won’t pool inside them. [3]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Changing the Color

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  1. Some products, like DuraCoat, air dry to a set finish. Other products, like DuraBake, need to be baked to set the finish. You can bake small metal parts in a toaster oven. However, if you plan to keep the gun intact or if the parts are too large to fit in the toaster oven, be sure to choose paint that sets while air drying and doesn’t need to be baked.
  2. Use wire, like a coat hanger, to hang the parts or gun so you can access them from 360 degrees. Put a plastic dropcloth over your work area and wear a respirator, safety glasses, and gloves. [4]
  3. You can buy finishing kits that come with aerosol spray cans, or use a paint sprayer powered by compressed air. Hold the can or sprayer 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) away from the surface and spray each part or the whole gun with smooth, back-and-forth motions until all areas are evenly covered. Let the paint dry, then apply a second coat, if desired. [5]
    • Use sponges dipped in paint to dab on different colors if you want to camouflage the gun.
  4. Refer to the instructions on the paint to find out how long it takes to dry. Generally, paint will be dry to the touch in 30 minutes to 2 hours. Carefully remove the masking tape and any modeling clay or foam ear plugs from the holes. [6]
  5. This should only be done to parts that have been disassembled from the gun, rather than an intact weapon. You can use a toaster oven to bake the metal pieces if the paint requires it. Use wire to suspend the parts from the top of the oven, then bake them for 30 minutes at 350 °F (177 °C), or as the instructions dictate.
    • Use an oven-safe thermometer to ensure the toaster oven is operating at the correct temperature.
  6. If you haven’t done this before, it can be helpful to refer to an exploded-view illustration of the gun, which can be found in the manual or online. You can also refer to the pictures you took when disassembling the gun, or watch online instructional videos to help you put all the parts back together correctly.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I properly clean the metal parts of the gun?
    Mark Schneider
    Firearms Instructor
    Mark Schneider is a Firearms Instructor based in Denver, Colorado. His journey into the world of firearms, novice gunsmithing, shooting, and tactics began nearly two decades ago. Over the course of his career, he has amassed over 18 years of firearms instruction experience and 10 years of security experience, predominantly in the realm of armed uniformed security. Mark has run a licensed security company and holds a license as an armed security guard with the City & County of Denver. Mark holds NRA certifications and has held multiple roles, including NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, NRA Inside The Home Protection Instructor, NRA Outside The Home Protection Instructor, NRA Refuse to Be a Victim Instructor, and NRA Chief Range Safety Officer. Mark’s extensive training history includes a wide array of tactical and security courses, encompassing advanced pistol, rifle, and shotgun training, close-quarter combat, ambushing tactics, and more.
    Mark Schneider
    Firearms Instructor
    Expert Answer
    Clean the gun's metal parts with cleaners designed for firearms, adhering to the manual and manufacturer standards. Begin by ensuring the gun is unloaded and disassembling it following the manufacturer's instructions. Apply the designated cleaner to a brush or patch, scrub thoroughly, and use a cleaning rod for the barrel. Wipe off excess cleaner, inspect for wear, and apply a light coat of gun oil as directed. Reassemble the firearm, ensuring proper fit, and perform a function check for smooth operation. Regular maintenance using appropriate cleaners and guidelines ensures reliable performance.
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      Things You’ll Need

      • Camera
      • Gun manual or instructional videos for disassembly and reassembly
      • Gloves, several pairs
      • Long-sleeved shirt
      • Eye protection (safety glasses or face shield)
      • Aerosol degreasing agent (like Brakleen or TruStrip Solvent)
      • 91% isopropyl alcohol
      • Clean, lint-free cloth
      • Sandblaster and 120-grit aluminum oxide blasting media OR sandpaper
      • Masking tape
      • Modeling clay or foam earplugs
      • Plastic dropcloth
      • Respirator
      • Metal paint designed for guns
      • Aerosol spray can or paint sprayer powered by compressed air
      • Wire
      • Toaster oven
      • Oven-safe thermometer

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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about firearms, check out our in-depth interview with Mark Schneider .

      References

      1. ↑ http://edition.cnn.com/2003/LAW/01/08/ctv.toy.guns/
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNr33MFflAQ&feature=youtu.be&t=104
      3. ↑ http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a5764/how-to-camouflage-a-rifle/
      4. ↑ http://goneoutdoors.com/paint-gun-5143363.html
      5. ↑ http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a5764/how-to-camouflage-a-rifle/
      6. ↑ http://goneoutdoors.com/paint-gun-5143363.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      You can give your gun a new lick of paint at home with a few simple tools. You can either disassemble your gun and paint individual parts or paint the whole thing. Before you paint it, sand your gun down with a sandblaster or sandpaper to help the paint stick, and spray it with an aerosol degreasing agent to clean it. Cover any parts you don’t want painted with masking tape. Then, hang your gun or gun parts from a coat hanger or other wire so you can easily paint each side. Use spray paint designed for guns. Some paints will need to be baked afterwards, but if you want to keep your gun intact or if the parts are too large to fit in your toaster oven, choose paint that sets while air drying. For more tips, including how to plug holes in your gun to protect them from paint, read on!

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