Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
AR Sponsor
3/19/2012 6:06:12 AM EDT
I have someone that owes  me a favor and will do some powder coating for free. I am thinking about getting my AR powder coated in FDE. How well will that hold up? Has anybody ever had this done?
I am also thinking about having my 1911 and my shotgun done as well, I just don't know how powedr coat holds up to heat, cleaning solvents, etc....

Any input would be awesome.

3/19/2012 6:23:17 AM EDT
[#1]
Powder coating will add thickness the surface it coats.  Be sure it is taped off well and none of the coating enters the interior of the gun!

You will end up with a glossy rifle.  If you want a shiny FDE finish, cool, go for it.  If not, go for a dipping for your rifle.

http://campbellcustomcoatings.com/ has dipped a bunch of guns and the finish is superb.  Here are examples of different guns dipped with different patterns (I like the skulls on the AR):
http://campbellcustomcoatings.com/uploadedImages/thumbs/2011-06-27_18-23-30_386.jpg
http://campbellcustomcoatings.com/uploadedImages/thumbs/2012-02-14_14-28-58_444.jpg
http://campbellcustomcoatings.com/uploadedImages/thumbs/2011-06-01_16-06-21_572.jpg
http://campbellcustomcoatings.com/uploadedImages/thumbs/dipped%20prodcuts%20073.jpg
http://campbellcustomcoatings.com/uploadedImages/thumbs/samsglock.JPG

I would advise dipping rather than powder coating becuase of the glare and the thickness of powder coating.  Dipping also opens up a world of patterns rather than just one or two colors.

It might be interesting if your buddy powder coated some ammo boxes or shooting accessories.
3/19/2012 6:30:54 AM EDT
[#2]
They have satin finishes available in powder coating now, so semi gloss is not your only option. The weight and thickness of the powder coating is what would make me think twice. Another thing to consider is that once applied, powder coating is there to stay, with dipping I don't know as I have not ever used it before. If you are good with it being permanent and don't care about the extra weight go for it.

As stated, prep tyour parts well and keep the PC off of any places where tolerences come into play.
3/19/2012 6:38:50 AM EDT
[#3]
I think I would reserve the powder coating for the patio furniture.
I have seen industrial parts powder coated; sometimes it does very well, other times not so much.
3/19/2012 5:52:02 PM EDT
[#4]
Powder coating is only good for things that you want to completely cover like wheels and frames. Not stuff to be partially covered, it can flake off around openings. I don't think this would be your best bet. But it would make it super durable. (this is what I was told when I was researching it for motorcycle parts)
3/19/2012 7:23:19 PM EDT
[#5]
No.......powder coating is not a suitable coating for firearms.......it adds dimensionally to the parts......bake cerakote is the most durable finish I have found......in fact my powder coat guy does it as well........I can even spray threads with cerakote with no ill effects.
3/19/2012 10:14:07 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
Powder coating will add thickness the surface it coats.  Be sure it is taped off well and none of the coating enters the interior of the gun!

You will end up with a glossy rifle.  If you want a shiny FDE finish, cool, go for it.  If not, go for a dipping for your rifle.

http://campbellcustomcoatings.com/ has dipped a bunch of guns and the finish is superb.  

I would advise dipping rather than powder coating becuase of the glare and the thickness of powder coating.  Dipping also opens up a world of patterns rather than just one or two colors.


I've always wondered: how does the dipping hold up? I'd be worried the stuff would rub plum off and look foolish. It's about the only thing that's kept me away from getting my hunting rifle done.
3/20/2012 6:00:40 AM EDT
[#7]
The dipping looks coo but how does it stand up to abuse?  I'm no chemist nor do I play one on tv but is it just some sort of "paint" or is it harder than paints are?  Shooters can be pretty abusive on finishes.
AR Sponsor
Close Join Our Mail List to Stay Up To Date! Win a FREE Membership!

Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!

You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.


By signing up you agree to our User Agreement. *Must have a registered ARFCOM account to win.