So I decided to try my hand at Duracoating...

[TGO David]

I bought a small oil-less compressor kit from Harbor Freight and may pick up a better two-stage air brush from Paasche later if I decide I enjoy doing this. But so far, so good.

The first project is making a set of custom pink grips for my wife's Smith & Wesson 3914. I have already applied the white base coat and will be doing the pink coats later today.

Pics when I'm done.

[MikeW]

for pics

[mhm2a]

Just a few tips I learned along the way:

Be sure to prep, prep, prep. If you do any aluminum alloy frames be sure to blast with sand not glass beads. The sand will give a much rougher texture for the duracoat to adhere to. If you keep your hardener in the refrigerator it will last much longer than advertised.

[creeky]

Pics when I'm done.

Tease...

[TGO David]

[TGO David]

I don't think it turned out too bad for my first time using Duracoat. I may change the recipe a bit the next time I do a set of grips as there are some things that I want to try to see if I can achieve a better finish.

One trick that I learned was to reduce the air pressure a bit to get a "spattering" effect to create a slightly rougher texture. I didn't want the grips to turn out slick, so a little added texture was a bonus.

We're going to give it a few weeks to fully cure before she takes it shooting again.

Edited April 27, 2009 by TGO David
Spelling owns me

[musicman]

That looks really good, dude. Plus, I think that was the best shooting 9mm I've ever shot.

[TGO David]

That looks really good, dude. Plus, I think that was the best shooting 9mm I've ever shot.

Thanks. I tell people all the time that my old 3913 was the one of the best 9mm that I have ever owned. I was elated to find this 3914 down at Hero Gear and would have bought it for myself had my wife not taken to it.

[Punisher84]

That looks really good man! You did a great job. Showed my wife the pic she flipped out lol

[DWARREN123]

More EPP's (evil pink pistols)

[mhm2a]

It needs some pink lettering on the front of the slide. Here are my votes:

1. PMS-9

2. No means no

3. I shoot better than I drive. (probably too long?)

4. Got Midol?

[TGO David]

There's nothing worse than having a girl with a pink gun out-shoot a guy with funny jokes.

[Guest Todd@CIS]

Yep.

My money is on her, funny-man.

[Guest Todd@CIS]

David, what other colors are you working with?

I've got some Beretta 92 and 96 grips that could use some spicing up.

[TGO David]

David, what other colors are you working with?

I've got some Beretta 92 and 96 grips that could use some spicing up.

I just ordered 4oz of the Pink Lady coating this last time but have some matte black in storage. I need to order more of their reducer and hardening agent before I can do more spraying but plan to do it soon.

What colors were you looking for?

[Guest Todd@CIS]

Thinking of gunmetal gray.

[Punisher84]

Thinking of gunmetal gray.

"It only comes in two colors, black and gunmetal! I got gunmetal."

[TGO David]

I could definitely give it a shot. I'm probably going to pick up a HVLP detail spray gun sometime soon and use that on some old AR15 furniture that I have laying around. I think that style of gun will provide even better coverage.

Sooner or later I want to try Duracoating a complete firearm and baking it in the oven. I'd like to find some slag frames or slides to try it on first though.

[bteague2]

A guy on ARFCOM made this rifle for his wife:

I want to make one but replace their anniversary date with my graduation date and maybe some of the orange or the unpainted black area with white.

[TGO David]

I'd be afraid that a street cone would try to hump my rifle.

[bteague2]

I'd be afraid that a street cone would try to hump my rifle.

I think I'll have to add some white, so the cone doesn't get confused. (artist rendering )

[TGO David]

Makes me want an orange dreamsicle.

[mhm2a]

There's nothing worse than having a girl with a pink gun out-shoot a guy with funny jokes.

Thats why I try not to get into competitions with women. If you dont compete you will not be beat.....right.

[Guest FroggyOne2]

I wouldn't mind a Dark Cherry Red glock frame.

[enfield]

Let me know when you're ready to tackle an Ithaca riot gun.