Choosing the right paint for your synthetic gun stock can significantly impact its appearance and durability. Unlike wood stocks, synthetic stocks require specific paints designed to adhere properly to their non-porous surfaces. This guide explores the best paint options, application techniques, and considerations to help you achieve a professional-looking finish.
Understanding Synthetic Gun Stock Materials
Before diving into paint types, it's crucial to understand the materials commonly used in synthetic gun stocks. These typically include polymers like fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP), polypropylene, and various blends. These materials are durable but can be challenging to paint if the wrong products are used. The key is selecting a paint with excellent adhesion properties to these surfaces.
Top Paint Choices for Synthetic Gun Stocks
Several paint types stand out for their performance on synthetic gun stocks. Each has its advantages and disadvantages:
1. Cerakote
Often considered the gold standard, Cerakote is a ceramic-based coating known for its exceptional durability, scratch resistance, and wide range of colors. It offers superior protection against the elements and wear and tear from regular use. While more expensive than other options, its longevity justifies the cost for many shooters.
Pros: Extremely durable, scratch-resistant, wide color selection, excellent chemical resistance. Cons: Requires specialized application equipment and expertise, relatively high cost.
2. Krylon Fusion
Krylon Fusion is a popular choice among gun owners due to its ease of application and good adhesion to plastics and synthetics. It's a readily available spray paint that provides a decent finish at a fraction of the cost of Cerakote.
Pros: Easy to apply, widely available, affordable, decent durability. Cons: Not as durable as Cerakote, susceptible to chipping with heavy use, limited color selection compared to Cerakote.
3. Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover
This is another readily accessible spray paint option known for its good coverage and relatively smooth finish. While not as specialized as Cerakote or Krylon Fusion for plastics, it can still provide acceptable results with proper preparation.
Pros: Affordable, readily available, decent coverage. Cons: May require multiple coats for optimal coverage, durability might be less than specialized plastic paints.
Preparing Your Synthetic Gun Stock for Painting
Proper preparation is paramount for a successful paint job. This involves several key steps:
1. Cleaning
Thoroughly clean the stock with a degreaser to remove any dirt, oil, or grease that might prevent proper adhesion. Use a suitable solvent, following safety precautions.
2. Sanding (Optional)
Lightly sanding the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 400-grit) can help create a slightly textured surface, improving paint adhesion. Avoid aggressive sanding that could damage the stock.
3. Priming (Recommended)
Applying a dedicated plastic primer before painting is strongly recommended. The primer enhances paint adhesion and provides a more even base coat, leading to a smoother, more professional finish.
Application Techniques
Spray painting is generally preferred for synthetic stocks, offering a more even and consistent coat than brushing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully for proper distance, spraying technique, and drying time. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat to prevent runs and drips.
Conclusion
The best paint for your synthetic gun stock depends on your budget, desired durability, and the level of effort you're willing to invest. Cerakote offers superior durability and a wide color range but demands specialized application. Krylon Fusion and Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch provide more affordable and readily available alternatives for those seeking a more DIY approach. Regardless of the paint you choose, remember that thorough preparation is key to achieving a long-lasting and professional-looking finish. Always follow safety precautions when handling paints and solvents.
