Rattle can paint job

[KickStand]

Has anyone tried to rattle can their Sten or a Sten parts kit?
If so, what worked the best?
I have seen British Black spray paint but it expensive at 15 per can.

I’ve got a 2 Sten parts kits and the finish is gone on the stocks, barrels, heat shield and mags. Therefore, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try to rattle can them and see how they turn out.


Any feedback is appreciated.

 

[StenAtopia]

I have used the automotive “VHT” caliper paint. Works amazing. Probably same as like Durakote. Runs about $11 a can at Autozone. Two light coats then a heavy coat. I bake it in my wife’s oven( shhhhhhhh) on 190° for like 30 min. Then let it air dry in garage for a day. It’s pretty tough if prepped right. YMMV.

 

[ferndog1]

Rattle can paint is not very durable, solvent like Hoppes will take the finish right off.
Try Norrell's moly-resin wears VERY well, the only way to remove it is media blasting.
The downside is it needs baked on at 300 degrees for an hour. It will stink up your house if you do it in your oven.
I bought a small cheap oven at Goodwill for $10.00 works great.

 

[slimshady]

If you want durable, one of the bake on gun finishes is the way to go. Brownells sells a few in spray cans.
VHT makes a wrinkle paint for brake components that is pretty close to the Sterling commercial finish. Jegs sells their own brand for about half.

 

[Open Bolts]

I've spray painted and I've GunKoted.

Spray paint goes on much thicker. Done well, the gun looks fantastic.

GunKote is applied with an airbrush and goes on super thin so that you see much more texture and flaws and stuff. Doesn't give it that smooth luck of paint but it's basically indestructible. Many solvents will weaken or strip paint right off. I don't know about some of the other spray and bake products. Maybe they are thinner?

 

[KickStand]

I've spray painted and I've GunKoted.

Spray paint goes on much thicker. Done well, the gun looks fantastic.

GunKote is applied with an airbrush and goes on super thin so that you see much more texture and flaws and stuff. Doesn't give it that smooth luck of paint but it's basically indestructible. Many solvents will weaken or strip paint right off. I don't know about some of the other spray and bake products. Maybe they are thinner?

Thanks for the reply. I’ve done some research and probably will try the gunkote stuff.

 

[GreaseGunner]

I did a MKII STEN for a guy and used the aerosol Duracoat black. It came out nice and that finish holds up well. Just sandblast, clean with mineral spirits, let dry and paint.