barrel painting

[maggot]

In my last couple projects, when I've tried to blue my own barrels "cold blueing" I've never realy been happy with the results. Has anyone tried painting their barrel with special paint? What paint did you use, how did it come out, how much?

[MI VHNTR]

I've been putting DuraCoat (matte black) on all of my firearms for a while. As with any finish, prep is the key. The firearm MUST be clean! I use a high quality airbrush to apply it.  When applied properly, the finish is smooth and flawless. It looks every bit as good as the high cost finishes available all over the net. So far, the durability has been excellent. It's available in many different colors too. MI VHNTR

[gunnut69]

The best cold blue I tried in the 'OxphoBlue' avaliable thru Brownells. Most cold bluing is actually a type of parkerizing and there differences. OxphoBlue is more forginving of oil on the metal and the resultant finish is more abrasion resistant than any of the other stuff I've tried in past 30 years or so. None are as tough as a hot blue but they are quicker and cheaaper. For using guns and especially those with surface damage, I've been using powder coat to protect. It available in a myriad of colors including some camo like hammertone finishes and the stuff is tough as nails.