Duracoat Help/Questions

[johnp3205]

I am wanting to try Duracoat but don't know for sure what I need to order. I will be doing no more than 2 pistols. I will be using an airbrush with a compressor. Can someone please tell me the following.
1. Where can I get it?
2. What all do I need to buy?
3. What pressure do I use on my compressor?

Anything else that will help me be successful is appreciated. Thanks, John

[grendelbane]

Midway, Brownell's, and Lauer Custom Weaponry all carry Duracoat. You will need an airbrush, compressor, Duracoat, hardener, possibly reducer, mask, and gloves. Your best results will come from parkerizing carbon steel, preferably blasted with 120 grit aluminum oxide. Good results can be obtained by simply sanding the surface you want to paint though.

I can't help you with the compressor question, as my compressor is a small, dedicated air brush model.

Lauer Custom Weaponry has lots of information on Duracoat use.

[Cap]

Laurer sells a kit that includes an inexpensive Harbor Freight (HF) airbrush and can of compressed gas.
That's what I started with, but found the canned gas to be inconsistent.
It freezes as you spray and presser decreases.
Laurer's instructions suggest putting it in a pot of hot water.

I decided to buy an inexpensive HF moisture separator/filter for my compressor.
I also bought a better airbrush but still wasn't happy with the way it sprayed.
So i eventually bought a HVLP sprayer from HF when they went on sale
(BTW, I think they're on sale right now for $39)

The HVLP sprayer made life much better



here's my complete set up and what I use


http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i84/larycap/Picture620.jpg

for precise measurement you can buy syringes at farm supply stores.
Or buy liquid med dispensers at the pharmacy section in any store
(In my pic, you'll see both)


pressure adjustment is something you'll experiment with til you get it flowing the way you want .
I can't recall the psi "sweet spot" for me , but know it was between 20 and 40 psi

you'll also need to experiment with the amount of reducer needed in your spray apparatus.
You'll likely need the max recommended (10% ?) if using an airbrush .

I experimented plenty on scrap sheet metal before I sprayed the first gun.




Laurer's instructions that come with the paint are pretty clear to understand and follow.
Follow them to the letter and I suspect you'll the find the product to be very DIY friendly.

what you'll need from Lauer,
paint, hardner and reducer.
Their aerosol spray degreaser is recommended and i bought a can of it.



use lacquer thinner for clean-up.
You can also use it to wipe off any "oops" and start over on the gun if something isn't flowing right or paint runs

'g'luck

..L.T.A.

[ocharry]

i got the kit and it worked out great for me,,,there will be plenty of paint in it for two hand guns,,,i did an HK and a 1911 and a H&R shot gun for my son,,and i had some left,,not much but i did have some left

and like has been said earlier,,the air brush that comes in the kit ain't much,,but it did work for me and the product worked out great,,,and the guns turned out nice too

my .02

ocharry