Custom Finishing: Duracoat vs. Water transfer dip

[William_Munny]

I've been considering a camouflage finish on a Doublestar AR15 and doing some research on using either a duracoat finish or a water based transfer graphics. I know a lot of my friends have used duracoat before and were happy with the durability and finish. I don't know very many people that have used the latter method but I have seen them applied on car/truck dashboards. I like the way they look but durability is suspect since I don't have enough info. Has anyone here ever used the dipping method? How durable is the finish? The rifle will probably get the "normal" usage; mostly for range activity (no hunting) and target practice... no extensive hard use.

[Guest GunTroll]

Are you looking into a DIY sort of dip or a professional job? I don't do it and I'm not soliciting you just curious?

I have one factory bolt rifle (savage model 10 predator) that has the hydro graphics and it has held up to my abuse this predator season. My only thought on your two choices would be you could "touch up" a spray finish whether it be Dura-coat,Cera-coat, etc I believe. Not totally sure about that but I'm sure one of our spray can junkies will chime in and be more of an authority on that one. If you went the dip....and you get a blemish, not much you could do I suspect.

[William_Munny]

I am leaning more towards having it done professionally, either way (duracoat or water dipped)

... although the film size on a hydrographics kit is large enough to be able to practice before working on the rifle. I might try the kit to decorate other items instead.

[Guest KCC]

I know this is about a week old post but wanted to give my .02 on it.

First off, scratch the duracoat finish and shoot for a cerakote applicator..

2nd if you go with a hydro graphic, ask if the applicator is experienced in applying the graphic with a ceramic clear top coat.. It's a world of difference in durability VS the clear that's normally used on hydro..