Airbrushing Duracoat..My experience in pics

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Airbrushing Duracoat..My experience in pics (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 9/13/2011 4:50:38 PM EDT

I decided that I would give airbrushing a try on my McMillan stock to give it that custom feel. I had never airbrushed before, but thought I could pull it off.

So, I ordered an airbrush, and the duracoat.

I downloaded some skull images that I liked, sized them and layed them out on my stock.

I used a stencil burner to cut some stencils out of acetate.

Then I spent a whole lot of time practicing. I purchased some automotive paint, reducer, thinner etc... to practice with. Duracoat is way to expensive to learn with.

After prepping the stock, I layed down the base coat. After letting it sit over night, I used the stencils to paint the basic outilines following the layout I had worked out earlier.

Then the hard part. Giving the skulls shape and depth by shading and highlighting. This is where all the practice I did really paid off. I was nervous at first because one little slip up can ruin the entire job, but I fell into The Zone and did pretty well.

After that, I put a couple of coats of matte clear on it to even out the shine. Once that cured overnight, I was done.

Posted: 9/13/2011 4:55:05 PM EDT

[#1]

Awsome, luv it

[img]http://www.ar15.com/images/smilies/anim_hail2.gif[/img

Posted: 9/13/2011 4:57:35 PM EDT

[#2]

Hands down, one of the coolest paint jobs I've ever seen. AMAZING!!

Posted: 9/13/2011 4:58:10 PM EDT

[#3]

wow, you have skills.

Looks great.

Posted: 9/13/2011 4:59:01 PM EDT

[#4]

This thing is sick.

Posted: 9/13/2011 4:59:50 PM EDT

[#5]

Man that looks good!!!

Posted: 9/13/2011 5:01:42 PM EDT

[#6]

Nice, how about some hints on how to do stencil burning from the images you cut out?

Posted: 9/13/2011 5:25:06 PM EDT

[#7]

"The force is strong in this one."

Great choice of colors and awesome job with the stencils.

Posted: 9/13/2011 5:45:51 PM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:
Nice, how about some hints on how to do stencil burning from the images you cut out?

A stencil burner is nothing more than a soldering iron with a sharp tip. I picked mine up from amazon for less than $20. From there all you have to do is lay some clear acetate over the image you want to make a stencil of then trace around it with the tip of the burner. It's simple to do. Any clear thin plastic sheet will work and will stand up to the solvents in paint. I downloaded tons of skull images and pics and picked the ones that I liked.

Posted: 9/13/2011 6:03:37 PM EDT

[#9]

I don't really dig the skull thing that seems to be the popular decoration for stocks these days, but you did an AMAZING job. That really looks great.

Posted: 9/13/2011 6:15:58 PM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
I don't really dig the skull thing that seems to be the popular decoration for stocks these days, but you did an AMAZING job. That really looks great.

Thanks, and I understand. Skulls aren't fore everybody. I think they look cool on rifles though

Posted: 9/13/2011 7:12:58 PM EDT

[#11]

That is FUCKING AWESOME!!!!!!!

Posted: 9/14/2011 11:18:13 AM EDT

[#12]

Looks amazing...want to do my TRG stock for me?

Posted: 9/14/2011 11:43:41 AM EDT

[#13]

Somehow, I think that if I were to try to do the same thing, it would not come out looking like that.

Posted: 9/14/2011 12:56:35 PM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:
Looks amazing...want to do my TRG stock for me?

No, but if you are serious, there's a guy over at Sniper's Hide that does these. His work is pretty much what I tried my best to replicate. His screen name is Paint by Deminsion. Not sure what he charges.

Posted: 9/14/2011 12:58:57 PM EDT

[#15]

Quoted:

Somehow, I think that if I were to try to do the same thing, it would not come out looking like that.

Don't sell yourself short. I can't draw or paint for shit. I just practiced each skull a lot before I attempted the stock.

Posted: 9/14/2011 3:19:28 PM EDT

[#16]

EPIC

Posted: 9/14/2011 3:56:11 PM EDT

[#17]

Skills. Great skills.

Posted: 9/15/2011 12:51:41 PM EDT

[#18]

Great job FlashHole!

That gives me some ideas. But I would get laughed off the range if I showed up with a skull job on my rifle.

Posted: 9/15/2011 1:46:55 PM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:
Great job FlashHole!

That gives me some ideas. But I would get laughed off the range if I showed up with a skull job on my rifle.

I took it out today. The old timers did a lot of staring. Several asked me about the stock, but not one asked me about the paint

Oh, and I found out that pretty guns don't shoot any better

Posted: 9/15/2011 1:54:49 PM EDT

[#20]

That looks pretty good ! Actually great for someone who's never picked up an airbrush, I can tell you firsthand I started airbrushing 20 years ago but on in off .There are some really good skull stencils you can pick up, just don't remember the name off hand.Their just a little more scarier.

Posted: 9/15/2011 2:17:16 PM EDT

[#21]

Great job!!

Posted: 9/15/2011 3:13:04 PM EDT

[#22]

Would you be willing to do someone's stock with the same design? For a price of course.

Posted: 9/15/2011 4:46:00 PM EDT

[#23]

That looks really really good. Wish you were my neighbor.

Posted: 9/15/2011 5:02:08 PM EDT

[#24]

awesome

Posted: 9/15/2011 5:21:01 PM EDT

[#25]

Holy shit,.......you have skills!

Very nice work!

Posted: 9/15/2011 9:15:19 PM EDT

[#26]

Great job!

Posted: 9/16/2011 4:42:41 AM EDT

[#27]

makes want to build another bolt gun just to get a stock like this.

Posted: 9/17/2011 2:23:44 PM EDT

[#28]

He charges $475 for his work. I don't know what finish he uses...I just sent him a email on Friday, so I'm waiting on his reply. I typically do not like duracoat because it's not as durable as the thermal finishes, but I like how yours turned out.

I was thinking of getting my stock done, so keep me in mind.

Quoted:

Quoted:
Looks amazing...want to do my TRG stock for me?

No, but if you are serious, there's a guy over at Sniper's Hide that does these. His work is pretty much what I tried my best to replicate. His screen name is Paint by Deminsion. Not sure what he charges.

Posted: 9/18/2011 8:42:17 AM EDT

[#29]

Quoted:
He charges $475 for his work. I don't know what finish he uses...I just sent him a email on Friday, so I'm waiting on his reply. I typically do not like duracoat because it's not as durable as the thermal finishes, but I like how yours turned out.

I was thinking of getting my stock done, so keep me in mind.

Quoted:

Quoted:
Looks amazing...want to do my TRG stock for me?

No, but if you are serious, there's a guy over at Sniper's Hide that does these. His work is pretty much what I tried my best to replicate. His screen name is Paint by Deminsion. Not sure what he charges.

According to him, most of his stuff is done with Duracoat. The rest I'm sure is some sort of Urethane based automotive paint. Much prettier and easier to work with, but I would assume is a little less durable than Duracoat. Ideal for bench rest rifles that don't get a lot of abuse. I personally really like the flat, non gloss look you get from the duracoat, and I suspect it will be plenty durable for my needs. Plus, if it gets scuffed up, I really don't care. I think the idea behind the Duracoat is to also get some camoflage benefit out of it as well as looking cool.

As far as his price goes, after doing it myself, I think $475 is a pretty reasonable price. It's a very time consuming process and the paint itself isn't cheap.

Posted: 9/18/2011 8:51:52 AM EDT

[#30]

Skulls are not something I would be interested in, but your end product is well done.

Posted: 9/18/2011 2:54:01 PM EDT

[#31]

any tips for the shading.....awesome job by the way

Posted: 9/18/2011 5:08:25 PM EDT

[#32]

Quoted:
any tips for the shading.....awesome job by the way

For me, a whole lot of practice was the key. When I wasn't practicing, I was watching YouTube videos or studying other peoples work. The practice is important because working the trigger is a muscle memory thing.

Practicing the beginner stuff like Dager strokes, making fine lines and dots, and shading circles was also helpful. YouTube has videos on all this. Practicing with the stencils and the sizes you intend to use is also important because once you get a good one, you can save it and just try to replicate your success. Teeth, are by far the hardest part. The problem I had at first was knowing when to stop. You want dark shadows, but not so dark that they become completely opaque. Being able to see some detail inside the eye sockets and nose holes makes a big difference. It took me a while to figure this out. Honestly, you will figure this stuff out a little at a time as you practice. Things will just start to click.

After doing this, I have a ton of respect for the really good airbrushers. They make it look absolutely effortless.

Posted: 9/19/2011 5:03:24 PM EDT

[#33]

I practiced stick people for a decade and now they look like fish sticks, so I suck and you don't. You have a talent I will never practice into.

Posted: 9/21/2011 10:34:23 AM EDT

[#34]

This is beyond #$%@#$% awesome. I really like the Constitution graphic.

Posted: 9/22/2011 5:29:03 PM EDT

[#35]

Wow, that turned out amazing.

Posted: 9/23/2011 11:19:17 AM EDT

[#36]

That is the best darned finish job I have ever seen, not even to mention DIY / non-pro.
Absolutely awesome.

Posted: 9/23/2011 1:07:04 PM EDT

[#37]

The left hand on the stock is an excellent detail. Seen lots of skulls (you did an incredible job) but a skeletal hand gripping the stock is new

Posted: 9/23/2011 1:08:12 PM EDT

[#38]

Totally AWESOME!

One of the best I've seen.

Posted: 9/23/2011 6:02:25 PM EDT

[#39]

Quoted:
The left hand on the stock is an excellent detail. Seen lots of skulls (you did an incredible job) but a skeletal hand gripping the stock is new

Thanks!! The hand and shooter idea is all mine

. I haven't seen it anywhere else.

Thanks to everyone for all the kind comments. I am proud of the way it turned out.

Posted: 9/23/2011 6:43:07 PM EDT

[#40]

I'm pissed at you for being so good.....nahh just kidding im reallly really impressed. That is DAMN good for someone who just picked up airbrushing!
I 've been wanting to do this to an AR...with smaller skulls.. similar to what "uparmored" does on their knives...i've always been fascinated with skulls..and i think skulls and guns go together like PB and J.. i like your vision..and your skill.

im too nervous to try this on my brand new AR..so i'll have to wait and buy a used beat up AR and try my luck with that. How much did the duracoat set you back? ive never looked into it.. i was gonna buy some createx airbrush paint which seems to be good stuff but im assuming duracoat is alittle more durable??

Posted: 9/23/2011 8:12:21 PM EDT

[#41]

That is awesome. You need to copyright the skeletal trigger idea. Very nice.

Posted: 9/23/2011 8:13:22 PM EDT

[#42]

Fantastic job it looks amazing, just amazing. Great job. Any more tips?

Posted: 9/23/2011 8:40:41 PM EDT

[#43]

OUTSTANDING WORK !!!!!!

Posted: 9/23/2011 10:17:16 PM EDT

[#44]

i literally wanna get back to my guns and airbrush and try this! i cant stop staring at this

Posted: 9/24/2011 5:33:27 AM EDT

[#45]

I would bet that people wonder where you got the stock because they would want one of their own. They just don't have a clue that you refinished it yourself. I can see the frustration of people googling Macmillian Skull stock and getting absolutely nothing and scratching their heads.

For people looking for Skull stencils and other stencils for that matter I use TCP Global and "ARTTOOLS" is the brand name. Actually without knowning.... the OP did a semi-advanced stencil job by making his own.

Very nice job.

Bring what you want to the range....I am not saying paste porn all over your weapons.... be tasteful.....

This rifle is done so well it is art....

Posted: 9/24/2011 6:04:48 AM EDT

[#46]

The whole skull thing is odd to me but damn you are a good artist. This is from a guy whose only art classes were mechanical drawing and drafting. I need a F'ing ruler and a french curve.

Posted: 9/24/2011 7:27:13 AM EDT

[#47]

Quoted:
I'm pissed at you for being so good.....nahh just kidding im reallly really impressed. That is DAMN good for someone who just picked up airbrushing!
I 've been wanting to do this to an AR...with smaller skulls.. similar to what "uparmored" does on their knives...i've always been fascinated with skulls..and i think skulls and guns go together like PB and J.. i like your vision..and your skill.

im too nervous to try this on my brand new AR..so i'll have to wait and buy a used beat up AR and try my luck with that. How much did the duracoat set you back? ive never looked into it.. i was gonna buy some createx airbrush paint which seems to be good stuff but im assuming duracoat is alittle more durable??

No way on earth that I would pick up an airbrush and try this on a brand new AR. I wouldn't even try it on an old trunk gun. Practice first on lots and lots of paper, cardboard, then ammo cans, etc....

The difficulty goes up as the skulls get smaller.

Stay away from Createx. Especially their water based stuff. I almost quit because I started with this stuff and got really frustrated really quick. To practice, go to your local automotive paint store and buy a pint of solid black paint, a quart of reducer and a gallon of laquer thinner to clean your brush with and a respirator. Play around with reducing. Start at 50/50 then reduce further from there to get the feel for what works. Duracoat is a lot harder to spray than automitive paint, and it's a lot more expensive. So, it's better to get your messups out of the way with the cheaper paint.

With duracoat, pick a light base color and a dark top color. It's about $17 a color. Buy a big thing of reducer and I fould that retarder was the key to getting it to spray like the automotive paint. Without the retarder, it was clogging my gun every few minutes of spraying. Matte clear as the final coat to even out the shine.

I've said this before, but YouTube has plenty of videos of people painting skulls. Watch them over and over in between practice sessions. As you gain trigger control, you will start to understand exactly what they are doing. Your skulls will get better and better. Then one day you will get one you are happy with. Save that one and replicate it over and over until you feel confident. Then pick a different stencil and start working on that one.