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4/12/2014 6:27:33 AM EDT
I apologize if this has been talked about before. everytime I use the search function it doesn't return anything so feel free to link similiar threads to me.
Thinking about trying cerakote/durcoat for the first time but wanted to get some practice in. What are good cheap materials that I can practice on to at least get a feel for it? Something that might require similar prep and the like?
Thanks guys
4/12/2014 6:57:08 AM EDT
[#1]
The cerakote is the $$ of the practice

I would start with anything clean laying around and get some cheap paint and thin it down real good...just practice with the gun so no runs etc...and still get good coverage in the nook and crannies

Good luck, you can spray anything, work on gun control and then move on to the high dollar media
4/12/2014 6:59:02 AM EDT
[#2]
A sand blasted finish is easier to lightly cover than a sanded smooth surface....most firearm stuff will be prepped with 80/120 grit alum/oxide sand blast media
4/12/2014 6:59:12 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Quoted:
The cerakote is the $$ of the practice

I would start with anything clean laying around and get some cheap paint and thin it down real good...just practice with the gun so no runs etc...and still get good coverage in the nook and crannies

Good luck, you can spray anything, work on gun control and then move on to the high dollar media
View Quote

Acetone is a bigger cost for me, but I'm a clean freak.
4/12/2014 7:51:07 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:

Acetone is a bigger cost for me, but I'm a clean freak.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
The cerakote is the $$ of the practice

I would start with anything clean laying around and get some cheap paint and thin it down real good...just practice with the gun so no runs etc...and still get good coverage in the nook and crannies

Good luck, you can spray anything, work on gun control and then move on to the high dollar media

Acetone is a bigger cost for me, but I'm a clean freak.

This.
I'm just a hobbyist, but my OCD need for clean acetone is expensive.
4/12/2014 8:07:09 AM EDT
[#5]
I use methanol (race fuel) instead of acetone and it works just as well.  It costs about 1/4 as much.
4/12/2014 8:34:26 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Quoted:
The cerakote is the $$ of the practice

I would start with anything clean laying around and get some cheap paint and thin it down real good...just practice with the gun so no runs etc...and still get good coverage in the nook and crannies

Good luck, you can spray anything, work on gun control and then move on to the high dollar media
View Quote


Great idea on cheap paint. What ratio would I thin it out to?

Also, dirty acetone would do what?
4/12/2014 2:52:01 PM EDT
[#7]
Any oils removed that turned the acetone "dirty" would be put back on, so surface would be dirty again, fisheyes and other surface imperfections will be the ugly out come
For me and the small amounts I will do, I will use brake cleaner for prep....I have never done this before so please take what I say as general painting tips

Some folks say acetone some xylene and others napthane (sp) and brake cleaner, for me this is cheaper at .99 a can

don't use mineral spirits it will not leave a clean evaporated surface like the others, you do not want anything to evaporate under the paint when it is heated

As for thinning, I am planning to start whit rustoleum thinned like people do when painting cars(check YouTube)

Also will compare to "drips per second" that cerakote recomends
4/12/2014 3:41:00 PM EDT
[#8]
I won't be doing large amounts either so brake cleaner should work great for me as well. I have an air compressor and a nice shed for me to do my work. I love embarking on projects so while building guns this seems like a great next step. I will research 'drips per second' to understand what it is (sounds obvious though). I'll just have to find anything and everything to around the house to paint. Mailbox is looking a little weathered ;)
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