Thread: Barrel paint

I decided to give Wattyl Etch Primer a try, which is a paint I often use for my work. I must say, it's an excellent aerosol paint that leaves a beautiful flat finish. After preparing and sanding my beat up EM332 barrel, I applied a light coat of the primer and used my trusty infrared sauna to dry it (I've used that sauna for so many different projects, it has become quite a usefull tool).

After applying five coats of the etch primer and subjecting it to a temperature of around 50°C for four hours, the finish appears to be remarkably durable. Considering its affordability at just $20, I believe it could be a great alternative for others looking for a reliable paint option.

Will try get some slightly more focused images. Phone was having a fit.


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Might have to give it a try. Be interesting as to how it will last

Macro

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Yes it will be interesting to see how long it lasts. I had to reblue my airgun barrel once after I forgot to clean it after a salty beach shoot

If you rub that paint with acetone, ( once well cured), dues it come of?
Because that was my problem with that type of paint in the past, not necessarily resistant to harsher chemicals.

Originally Posted by Friwi

If you rub that paint with acetone, ( once well cured), dues it come of?
Because that was my problem with that type of paint in the past, not necessarily resistant to harsher chemicals.

Ill test it out. Believe its single pack epoxy so should be fairly chem resistant.

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Try it with some copper solvents and balistol also.

I love super etch as a coating, like MCCPRO I also use it at work & have used on rifles before

The trick like all "etch coatings" is to apply many light coats, it dries quick so can get it done over a reasonable short time, Wattyl SE black has a great finish & levels out well, even a novice can get good results.

It's not super hard like a 2pack so won't last forever but is easy to recoat / blend & if needed can be easily removed with Methylated Sprits

Ahh good to know @Philipo Ive used if for years on aluminum and as an alternative to powder coating for picky architects. They seem to like the fluffed out explanation of an etch primer rather than a spray booth finish.

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Originally Posted by Philipo

I love super etch as a coating, like MCCPRO I also use it at work & have used on rifles before

The trick like all "etch coatings" is to apply many light coats, it dries quick so can get it done over a reasonable short time, Wattyl SE black has a great finish & levels out well, even a novice can get good results.

It's not super hard like a 2pack so won't last forever but is easy to recoat / blend & if needed can be easily removed with Methylated Sprits

That's why I rate Duracote over the Cerakote systems. Yes Cerakote is technically a "more durable" system but it's not easily applied by the diy user, and once it's damaged it requires a full strip to reapply to spec.. Duracote can be re applied after a simple feather, keying and degreasing.

No practical coating is going to be more durable than firearms grade metal so use what works for you and make it as minimal maintenance as possible, IMO.

I'm going to give this super etch stuff a go as it's easier than setting up the spray guns and all the associated cleaning.

I etch primed a shotgun Barrel and reciever matt black due to bad bluing and it looked great and was very durable. I was surprised how well its lasted after a good beating over the last 5 years. Wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

hammerite work very very well in this role too.