Best Paint for Guns – 2023 Reviews and Comparisons
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Top Pick
|
Top Pick
|
|
Check Price At Amazon Nerds Review Nerds Review | |
|
|
|
Check Price At Amazon Nerds Review Nerds Review | |
|
|
|
Check Price At Amazon Nerds Review Nerds Review | |
|
|
|
Check Price At Amazon Nerds Review Nerds Review | |
|
|
|
Check Price At Amazon Nerds Review Nerds Review |
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Top Pick
|
Top Pick
|
|
Check Price At Amazon Nerds Review Nerds Review | |
|
|
|
|
Check Price At Amazon Nerds Review Nerds Review | |
|
|
|
|
Check Price At Amazon Nerds Review Nerds Review | |
|
|
|
|
Check Price At Amazon Nerds Review Nerds Review | |
|
|
|
|
Check Price At Amazon Nerds Review Nerds Review |
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Paint for Guns
What It's Good For
Gun paint is the ideal solution for projects that require restoring your old firearm and bringing back its lustre. It will give the ultimate hiding power, which allows jobs to be completed easier and faster. Depending on the type and brand, spray paint can work on plastic, wood, and metal, on nature blinds, boats, vehicles, hunting equipment and more. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, you’ll find it effortless to use.
The great thing about firearms paint is that it includes resistance to the solvent elements and cleaning chemicals that are damaging to most paints. Also, if properly cured, it can easily resist oil, moisture, salinity, corrosion, and grease. Some of these products only take 20 minutes to dry completely. The paint can be applied either indoors or outside in most cases. When applied on top of primer, it offers long lasting protection and durability.
What It's Not So Good For
During the spraying process, tiny clouds consisting of small particles of paint remain in the air. If you aren’t careful, these can damage nearby surfaces. Hence, it’s essential to prepare your workspace before you begin your next painting project.
One more thing you need to bear in mind is the curing and drying time. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow their guidelines when it comes to these steps. Some firearms paints will need more time to cure than others. Our individual product reviews will help you to avoid these if you don’t have the time to wait.
Top-Rated Firearm Paint
Rust-Oleum 269038 Specialty Camouflage Spray Pack
Our Rating: 4.9
For those who want to re-paint their firearms, The Rust-Oleum is the best paint for guns on the market today. After trying and comparing many different sprays, we can say that this product is number one on our list. It can be used on wood, plastic, masonry, or metal, outside and inside your home for ultimate concealment.
This paint is also fantastic for concealing boats, tree stands, vehicles, decoys and more. Its oil-based formula will provide an ultra-flat, non-reflective finish for maximum hiding. The best thing about it is that it dries very fast and spraying capabilities are consistently good. It delivers twice the coverage as other competitive products and can coat 12 sq. ft. with one 12 oz. which will dry in for approximately 20 minutes.
In the set, you will receive six cans which include: 1 Khaki, 1 Army Green, 2 Earth Browns and 2 Forest Green. That is more than enough colors to complete an ideal look as well. It makes for fantastic camouflaged paint. Because of its durability that can last more extended period, you will find that it is worth trying out. The overall result is impressive when you spray it in thin layers and take time in between to dry correctly.
Compared to other paint products, this brand proved that it is one of the best on the market, thanks to its durable formula and affordable price. So, if you are looking for a paint option that will give your firearm a fresh new look for a reasonable price, you will want to buy this product for your next project. As we already mentioned, the great thing about it is that it has no limitation when it comes to painting other things too. You can use it on almost every other material. If you are interested in more information, read our full review here.
Brownells Aluma-Hyde II
Our Rating: 4.7
The Aluma-Hyde II is an excellent product for individuals who want to paint their rifle or gun. The reason for this is its increased resistance to solvents, bore cleaners, even trichloroethylene, and other cleaning chemicals. These chemicals indeed do an excellent job when it comes to cleaning your firearm, but when they come to contact with any different finish, they can easily damage gun paint.
But, the fantastic formula of Aluma Hyde paint, has proved that it is stronger than the most aggressive cleaner. It contains an epoxy base that is hard-curing and which has high-density, extra pigment for durable covering that will stick to all alloy and aluminum surfaces, plastics and steel. It is also an excellent option for synthetic stocks. All this means that it will resist all solvent elements and other harmful chemicals that are damaging.
Needless to say that it reaches full cure in about one week, and dries to the touch in a few minutes. Once the cure time begins, you need to wait until it is fully cured and then you can recoat. Although, there is one way you can cut curing time. Just use circulating warm air over the painted pieces. The best part about this product is that it doesn’t require a primer coat. This paint will give your gun rustproof, abrasion-resistant, durable and tough finish which will blend nicely with your weapon.
As far as this paint goes, there are some drawbacks you should be aware of. First off all you need to know that it goes thicker than other spray paints, which will mess with tolerances such as setting up pivot pins and takedown. So, before you start painting, any openings such as selector switch, before mentioned pins, will need attention so you can adequately address them. Read our full review to find more information about this paint.
Brownells Aluma-Hyde II
Our Rating: 4.7
The Aluma-Hyde II is an excellent product for individuals who want to paint their rifle or gun. The reason for this is its increased resistance to solvents, bore cleaners, even trichloroethylene, and other cleaning chemicals. These chemicals indeed do an excellent job when it comes to cleaning your firearm, but when they come to contact with any different finish, they can easily damage gun paint.
But, the fantastic formula of Aluma Hyde paint, has proved that it is stronger than the most aggressive cleaner. It contains an epoxy base that is hard-curing and which has high-density, extra pigment for durable covering that will stick to all alloy and aluminum surfaces, plastics and steel. It is also an excellent option for synthetic stocks. All this means that it will resist all solvent elements and other harmful chemicals that are damaging.
Needless to say that it reaches full cure in about one week, and dries to the touch in a few minutes. Once the cure time begins, you need to wait until it is fully cured and then you can recoat. Although, there is one way you can cut curing time. Just use circulating warm air over the painted pieces. The best part about this product is that it doesn’t require a primer coat. This paint will give your gun rustproof, abrasion-resistant, durable and tough finish which will blend nicely with your weapon.
As far as this paint goes, there are some drawbacks you should be aware of. First off all you need to know that it goes thicker than other spray paints, which will mess with tolerances such as setting up pivot pins and takedown. So, before you start painting, any openings such as selector switch, before mentioned pins, will need attention so you can adequately address them. Read our full review to find more information about this paint.
Duracoat Aerosol Kit
Our Rating: 4.4
The Duracoat aerosol paint is a point of higher price. Its name will not make you jump out of your chair and run to your nearest store. But, we must say that this new spray can is a fantastic idea that will set the accessory and gun refinishing world on fire in not so distant future.
According to the manufacturers, Duracoat aerosol paint is a 2 part chemical coating and, unlike other gun paints, it was made especially for firearms. Also, it is permanent and will last a long time, thanks to its exceptional durability.
It comes with a unique ‘’can within a can’’ design. A standard spray paint can on the outside contains the color. Then there is a smaller, separate vessel on the inside, containing the hardener. Although both of them are pressurized, the contents of each are separate.
When you are ready to use the paint, you just need to press the button on the can’s base to combine the two. Before you apply it, shake it well until adequately mixed. The paint can be used up to 48 hours after activation.
The applicator nozzle produces a flat, fine spray pattern, which can be adjusted from vertical to horizontal. The great thing that you will surely notice is that the spray provides a consistent pattern. You can apply it over bluing, anodizing, Parkerizing or bare metal.
To find out more about this new “can within a can” technology, check out our full review.
Dupli-Color EDE161307
Our Rating: 4.3
The Dupli-Color EDE161307 paint is a great solution for users who want to re-paint their firearms. Needless to say, this paint’s primary purpose is for painting car engines. But, what does that mean? Well, first of all, it can withstand extreme conditions such as intense heat. To be precise, its durable formula can resist temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
This paint works well on a rifle’s receivers and barrel. The matte black color will give your firearm additional strength and a great new look. Compared to other brand products it is relatively inexpensive and works great on any guns, giving them a superior, high gloss finish.
The paint cures to a resilient state. If you properly cure it, your gun will easily resist oil, chemicals, moisture, salinity, corrosion, and grease. The best thing about the finish is that it will make your gun look like it just came out of the firearms factory.
The only thing you need to pay attention to is to apply one coat of paint, leave it to dry for about 10 minutes, then apply a second coat. After you have finished with the second cover, you need to leave the paint to dry for about 20 minutes. Bake the gun for about an hour and thirty minutes.
Some users have complained that it took them longer to dry the paint. So, when you use it, make sure you follow the painting steps carefully. To read more about this product, just read our full review.
Dupli-Color EDE161307
Our Rating: 4.3
The Dupli-Color EDE161307 paint is a great solution for users who want to re-paint their firearms. Needless to say, this paint’s primary purpose is for painting car engines. But, what does that mean? Well, first of all, it can withstand extreme conditions such as intense heat. To be precise, its durable formula can resist temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
This paint works well on a rifle’s receivers and barrel. The matte black color will give your firearm additional strength and a great new look. Compared to other brand products it is relatively inexpensive and works great on any guns, giving them a superior, high gloss finish.
The paint cures to a resilient state. If you properly cure it, your gun will easily resist oil, chemicals, moisture, salinity, corrosion, and grease. The best thing about the finish is that it will make your gun look like it just came out of the firearms factory.
The only thing you need to pay attention to is to apply one coat of paint, leave it to dry for about 10 minutes, then apply a second coat. After you have finished with the second cover, you need to leave the paint to dry for about 20 minutes. Bake the gun for about an hour and thirty minutes.
Some users have complained that it took them longer to dry the paint. So, when you use it, make sure you follow the painting steps carefully. To read more about this product, just read our full review.
Gun Glow 5ml – Glow in the dark gun sight paint
Our Rating: 4.1
The Gun Glow 5ml paint is one of the top contenders for painting your gun sights. This product is one of the most durable, fastest charging and brightest products on the market. It charges faster and retains its glowing power longer than other paints of this type.
One of the great features of this product is that it adheres to both plastic and smooth metal gun sights. Setup is easy, thanks to the dropper tip applicator, which you can use to apply the paint directly from the bottle. The viscosity and thickness of this product allows you to create more glow in one application. For optimal performance, it is best to drop a layer of around 2 mm thickness on your gun sight.
Gun Glow’s gun sight paint is an acrylic medium, which is non-radioactive and non-flammable. It can glow for about 30 minutes to one hour in conditions with low light, depending on your ambient and vision light.
Compared to some leading competitors, it glows twice as bright. That means that its high visibility in no or low light conditions.
This paint is not just about looks — it’s about performance, which is an essential element, given potentially dangerous situations you may find yourself in. Bear in mind that it is not tritium and can’t match its glow duration. This paint requires charging with sunlight or UV light in order to glow, with sunlight taking longer to charge. However, once used, it will repeatedly charge for up to 15 years.
Some users complained that the glow does not last as long as they expected. It is wise to always have a flashlight with you, in order to recharge quickly if needed. If you want to know more about this paint, all you have to do is read our full review about it.
Quick Product Comparison
| PRODUCT | WEIGHT | PRICE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Drying | 12 oz | $$ | Check Price | |
| Easy to apply | 12 oz | $$ | Check Price | |
| No baking required | 12 oz | $$$ | Check Price | |
| Durable ceramic formulation | 12 oz | $ | Check Price | |
| Most durable paint | 5 ml | $ | Check Price |
| PRODUCT | WEIGHT | PRICE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Drying | 12 oz | $$ | |
| Easy to apply | 12 oz | $$ | |
| No baking required | 12 oz | $$$ | |
| Durable ceramic formulation | 12 oz | $ | |
| Most durable paint | 5 ml | $ |
Best Paint for Guns – 2023 Buyer’s Guide
Modern spray-on finishes will allow you to make your gun one solid color, create elaborate patterns, or apply contrasting colors. When it comes to painting your firearm, the only limitation is your imagination.
There are many painting brands for guns on the market today. These products come with various different features. You need to ensure that the paint you choose is compatible with the different surfaces you will be covering and that it’s available in the color you require. You may also want your painted product to be able to withstand extreme conditions.
That is why it isn’t always easy to choose the best spray paint for guns. But, don’t worry, we have prepared a comprehensive Buyer’s Guide to help you make an informed decision. Keep reading to help your decision as to which gun paint you should be looking for.
Quick Solution
Using one of our chosen products to paint your gun will save you time and mess when compared to using a brush. You will be able to coat all surfaces with ease and speed. Why waste money taking your gun to a firearm store, which will probably only paint your gun as precisely as you can? Some products dry very fast and only require one coat. That means that your gun will be ready in no time after you have painted it.
The Resistance of the Paint
If we need to mention one thing that is essential when finding the ideal paint for your gun, that would be the resistance of the paint to chemicals, heat, and other extreme conditions. The increased resistance of these products to solvent bore cleaners and other chemicals is significant, because you will use them to clean your gun, of course. When such chemicals come into contact with your firearm, they could damage some types of paint. So, to avoid these kinds of problems, it’s wise to choose a product that will resist these damaging elements and formulas.
Better Results
A paint spray will provide a smooth finish, thanks to the excellent application methods it offers. That means you don’t have to worry about runs and splotches on the firearm. The only thing you need to pay attention to is drying time. Some paints only require one coat, and the product will be touch dry in 30 minutes or less.
However, for most products, you will spray one coat of paint, leave it to dry for several minutes (according to instructions) then apply a second coat. After you have applied the second layer, leave the paint to dry for the manufacturer’s specified time. This will provide you with the best results and give your gun a fresh new look.
Variety of Colors
Paint is the most effective and easiest way to make a change, especially when it comes to restoring the shine to your gun. Luckily, there are plenty of paint sprays for firearms on the market that you can use. Most of the products we mentioned in our reviews come in a variety of colors, giving you several options — even camouflage if you’re feeling adventurous.
All you have to do is choose the right color to complete your project. The overall results can be fantastic. But, if you are not interested in the look of your gun but in its performance, especially in low light conditions, then you should consider purchasing the glow paint that will provide you the best sight.
Cure Time
All paints have different curing times, depending on their formula. The paint can be touch dry but not be cured for a significant period. Some sprays can take a long time to cure to a tough state — this could be up to a week. Yes, it takes a lot of time, but the results are incredible. If the paint is cured correctly, it will easily resist oil, chemicals, moisture, salinity, corrosion, and grease. And the best part is that your gun will look like it just came out from the store.
Tips and Tricks on How to Paint a Firearm
First, you need to prepare the surface to be painted. Degrease these parts of your gun before applying spray paint. The best way to do that is to roughen it slightly with sandpaper or a Scotch-Brite pad, for better adhesion of the paint. This is an easy but effective approach for a DIY project.
Another method, if you have the tools, is to sandblast the gun’s metal parts to prepare the surface for coating. This will remove old coverings and help give a flat, even look to the result. If there are parts you don’t want to coat, make sure you cover them with masking tape before sandblasting. Use modeling clay to plug any holes. Bear in mind that you should never coat some critical parts. Use ‘’sand’’ that is made specifically for this kind of project. The best you can use is aluminum oxide 120 grit blasting media.
Keep an eye on the metal and keep the sandblaster moving so that you have a smooth sheen to the finish. Use goggles, a respirator, long sleeves and leather gloves for protection, if you aren’t using a cabinet. Once you have finished, remove all the clay and tape. If necessary, degrease the surface again. Don’t forget that before coating, you should have bare, clean metal.
The next step is to apply the coating. Spray the firearm with the desired color. Hold the sprayer, or can, 6-8 inches away from the surface, painting each part until all areas are evenly coated. Let it dry according to the instructions, before applying a second coat, if necessary.
After the paint has dried, remove the tape from the parts you haven’t sprayed. The surface may be dry to the touch in 30 minutes, or it could be up to 3 hours. With some paints, you can bake the metal parts for 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or according to instructions. You can use any controllable and constant heat source, such as an oven.
It would be wise for you to use an oven thermometer, to regulate and monitor the temperature. Test all the gun parts that you will place in the unit, to see if they will have enough space to hang without touching each other. Make sure you have done the preparing steps properly.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that they are all efficient and worth checking out. These paints for guns might have some characteristic differences that will slightly change the result or their suitability for your project. Some of them are easier to clean when using chemicals, and others will dry faster. You can choose the right type and brand of a paint that will fit your needs. Our reviews can help you to make that informed decision before purchasing your product.
When it comes to painting your firearm, the products we’ve reviewed are among the best on the market at this time. As you may notice, there are several different types and brands. We tried out the most popular ones and see if they are really worth the money. We listed all their good points as well as the flaws, to help you decide which gun paint will suit you best.
We must say that bringing shine to firearms has never been so easy and quick. With the best paint for guns, you will be able to restore the condition of your firearm in no time!
Other Paint Sprayer Categories
