I am doing the do-it-yourself paintjob and have a few questions.

I am using Rust-O-Leam Camoflage paints and Helmsman Spar-Urethane. Painting the upper, lower, FF HG, M4 stock, & FSB.

For the curing, can I bake the  rifle in the oven, and at what temperature? I am using Colt 4-pos stock and TDI/CAA cheekweld & standard A2 grip for the plastic parts.
Just lay it on the rack, or on top of tin'foil, cookie sheet or?

If I can bake it for curing, should it be before or after Spar-urethane is applied?

I'm thinking 5-7 coats of Spar-urethane, too much, too little?

How will this finish hold up? I have read it is pretty durable, anyone with experience?

Any suggestions for increasing durability?

I'm painting 2 mags also, I'm removing the follower and spring, can I leave on the Magpul Ranger plate? Leave it on the oven?

Do you need to bake those paints for curing?  

I just use Krylon Matte (though I'm going to try Norrells soon) and you don't need to bake the Krylon.

5 or more coats sounds excessive to me.  I just apply a base color, then add additional colors on top in the pattern I desire.  Maybe we have different goals.

I believe the plastic will hold up for limited time at 200-250 F.  I'm not sure though, so don't rely on that.  More knowledgable people will be around shortly I'm sure.

YMMV.

There was a very good post several months ago that explained the krylon process very well, it is somewhere in the archive and the link I have does not work.  However, Bulldog Arms makes stencil kits for various cammo patterns and has good instructions on how to apply the paint and their stencils here

Sarge

+1 for that being a lot of work to use krylon


i used the urethane stuff and it just made everything sticky, especially the plastic parts.



imo if you plan on going through all that trouble go with something else. with krylon i just layed the gun out and sprayed it, afterwards i hit it with the heat gun to speed the drying process and that was it.