Gunsmithing Duracoat application technique

[Bunnyblaster]

I've noticed that most people are applying duracoat with an airbrush. I've got a brand new compressed air siphon sprayer at the house. Would this work, or should I get an air brush? My biggest concern is that I would run into more wasted product if I used the siphon sprayer. Any other problems? This will be my first experience with duracoat. Right now I'm just going to coat a HS stock black.

thanks.

 

[cwshooter]

Re: Duracoat application technique

An airbrush works fine, just slow for full coats. Very little waste. I use the cheap ones from harbor freight since I'm not trying to do artwork, and if you clog one up or have trouble, a new one is another $9, or so.
I've gone to a small HVLP sprayer for stocks, etc. But, the airbrush still comes in handy for small projects.
A regular siphon sprayer wastes too much for my taste, but I'm sure it would do a good job.
I don't do it for a living, just my stuff and for a few friends; so, take it with a grain of salt.
CW

 

[monteboy84]

Re: Duracoat application technique

What size is the needle on your spray-gun? I tried a gravity feed with a 1.4 needle and hated it, way too much for Duracoat, but switched to a 1.0 in a smaller touch-up gun and love it.

I had been using an airbrush for a while and hated it, the Duracoat would gun up the nozzle while spraying and fling "boogers" every so often, very frustrating. The 1.0 needle seems to be about perfect, and it's been working well for me almost 2 years now.

-matt

 

[gunrunner32]

Re: Duracoat application technique

I've got a Paasche Single Action Syphon Airbrush as well as a Kobalt gravity fed HVLP airgun. I've noticed that the Kobalt creates a lot of waste on smaller projects but is great for doing bolt action stocks or single color rifles. The airbrush is nice because there is not a lot of waste and I do between a no3 and no5 tip for that. I usually stick to the no5 unless im fading colors then I put on the no3. I run them both with a 13 gal Campbell & Hausfield electric compressor, 40 psi on the airbrush and 55 psi on the air gun.

 

[Bunnyblaster]

Re: Duracoat application technique

Thanks for the input. I'm not sure what the tip size is on it, I'll have to take a look. I just textured the stock last night, so I'm looking forward to getting it coated. Devcon looks kind a funny on a green web 5R stock.

 

[scotharr]

Re: Duracoat application technique

Airbrush is the slow, cheap way to do it, but if you have an air compressor then by all means get an HVLP nozzle and do it that way. You will get fast, excellent results with very little waste of paint.

 

[ZULUTAC]

Re: Duracoat application technique

Just Duracoated a rifle for the first time using an cheap HVLP from Harbor Freight. Worked great. I read a bunch of Airbrush forums prior to doing so. They're right. Stick with a cheap airbrush or similar. Too $$$$ to wast on over spray.