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Gunsmithing Yet Another Painting Question

TaylorM

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 30, 2008
38
0
Cedar Point,KS
I am finally going to paint my first rifle,Howa 1500. Have already decided to duracoat with a digital pattern. Nothing original here. Prep and masking is not a problem. My question is, what do I absolutely not want paint getting on? I know the chamber and crown, but is there anything on the bolt I should be worried about? I'm plainning on using my SATA airbrush from work. Should help to keep mils down alowing for clearence issues. But I'm just not sure what to and what not to paint with all the different opinions. So I figured I'd ask.
 
Re: Yet Another Painting Question

Sear/cocking piece engagement surfaces, bolt head and lugs are the places I don't paint on the bolt (and action if you aren't taking the trigger assembly off).
If the rifle's bedded, I tape off the parts of the action below the stockline that are bedded as to not put a layer of coating onto where the bedding's done.
 
Re: Yet Another Painting Question

For maximum digital effect, I paint the entire piece. Of course only the outside, I mask off any holes from the inside to keep the over spray from the inner works. The Sata airbrush should work nice. I also always use reducer for a finer smoother finish.
 
Re: Yet Another Painting Question

There is no harm in painting the entire bolt, lugs and all. The only issue with painting the bolt would be if the fit between the bolt and raceways are tight then you could have an issue but if care is taken this can be a non-issue as well.

If the rifle is bedded there is no reason not to paint the entire action. If done correctly you will not build up enough product to affect the fit between the stock bedding and action.

Plug the chamber and muzzle with a rubber stopper and you will be good to go.

If you have any questions feel free to shoot me an email.

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Re: Yet Another Painting Question

Once again I defer to Randy's experience and expertise. My recommendations are made based on my rattle can experience with Alumahyde products and krylon.

Maybe I'll do away with masking the action, my latest rifle's gonna be getting color here soon.....


 
Re: Yet Another Painting Question

I thought about it, but I want to try it myself. If I fubar I can always send it back
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Does anyone know on the Howa bolt there are holes in the bottom. You can see the firing pin and spring. Should I try to keep duracoat out of there?
 
Re: Yet Another Painting Question

You are better off taking the rifle down to the individual components to paint it with the exception of the barrel, leave it attached to the action. Unless you are using Krylon this is the better way.

Unless this rifle is Parkerized or has some type of oxide finish you are also going to want to media blast these parts before you use Duracoat or you are going to set yourself up for failure.

Take the bolt assembly apart, remove the base for the action, and so on.
 
Re: Yet Another Painting Question

Figured I would tear the whole rifle down. Just didn't know if I needed to tear down the bolt. Am going to glass bead everything before painting. I've been painting cars for years never been this parinoid about getting the job right. With my background I knew I can handle it, just don't want to screw up.