i'm building an AR from old parts and i want to refinish them before i assemble it.  i have a few cans of automotive paint laying around and i was wondering how well it would last on an AR?

this will be a multi-colored rifle (blue, yellow, silver)  if i use this paint.  do i need to strip the existing finish and re-anodize first?  what about the barrel?  will the heat from the barrel cause it to flake?  

for those of you who have painted rifles before, what is the best pain to use?

-thanks

leave the anodizing alone and just prime/prep it good.



but imo the paint is going to bubble with heat.

AR15 Refinishing Guide

good info in there stickman.  if i don't use the automotive paint i will use norells.  still don't know how the auto paint will wear when applied to an AR though.