Gun-Kote vs. Duracoat. Pitted metal.

[STUMPJMPR]

I've been cleaning up alot of severely  rusted guns.  I have used Duracoat and Gunkote.  The Gunkote seems to be tougher and more wear resistant than the Duracoat.  However, The Duracoat seems better for filling in pitts.  Any imperfections will show with the GunKote.  Just wanted to shar my observations.

[mdwest]

I agree, and prefer duracoat over gun kote for this reason..
 
that said, I have recently been expiramenting with another, very low cost solution, and think it might be even better for covering up pitts, scratches, etc..
 
while at Home Depot a couple of weeks ago I eyed several spray cans of engine enamel in varying shades of black and grey, and in varying degrees of gloss (satin, semi-gloss, and gloss).. its heat resistant up to 2000 degrees.. very resistant to oils, cleaning solvents, etc (things you would use on a show car's engine), etc.. so I thought I would give it a test run on a handi rifle project I am working on (something low cost that I didnt have to worry about screwing up)..
 
another benefit is it doesnt require you to bring the parts up to temperature and it sets up and cures fast..
 
I picked up a can of black gloss and a can of engine enamel primer.. and tried it out..
 
I havent had a chance to take it to the woods yet.. but so far, I think I'm going to be really happy with the results..
 
Its very cheap (primer is $4.97 from home depot.. and the paint is $4.97 a can as well... there is enough in the cans to do a couple of rifles with several coats easily.. so total cost is less than $5 per gun).. and very easy to use.. basically get the metal clean and dry, and spray it on..
 
the enamel goes on very thick and fills pits, pocks, and scratches very well and creates a smooth surface..
 
I let the enamel set up a full week before I exposed it to any cleaning products.. but have since then exposed it to rem-oil and break-free CLP both and have had no issues with the finish dulling, peeling, or being effected in any way that I can tell..
 
the real test will be to see how it holds up to getting beat around in the woods.. Im taking the rifle out on a hunt in a couple of weeks.. Ill send an update after I get back 

[STUMPJMPR]

I have a few guns duracoated.  One of them gets moderate abuse.  I throw it in the truck and boat and don't care what happens.  It was a $70 H&R single shot.  Small scratches will show white, but once wiped down with rem oil they disapear. 
 
I have thought about using some good automotive paint, but never tried it.  I think once this can of gunkote is gone I am going to use Duracoat. Most of my duracoated guns I didn't even sand blast prior to painting.  Just degrease with carb cleaner and airbrush on.

[oneoldsap]

                      I do quite a few baked on finishes and have found a way to fill pits with all of them . Some take longer than others .

[wtroger]

If done properly Duracoat is tough as nails. But properly means totally removing the old finish (media blasting is the best) then Parkerizing  then Duracoating and hot air drying. Done improperly and it will peel right off.

[gunnut69]

I use powder coat applied twice with the second application applied to the steel while still hot. works great and hides horrible pits.. Preperation is always the keys to a good coating.