Thread: First time Duracoating - DIY

So I had this rifle that was kindly made up by various parts and services from current forum and F&H members (brief story to come), problem was that the Shilen barrel I got was Chrome-Moly. It needed coating so I did a search and it seemed DED sells Duracoat over the counter so I ordered some Matt Black.

Prep'ed action of my 257


End result on the 257



End Result on 6mm Rem.



I did the work with a cheap airbrush and the first one came out just fine. The second action I did was a bit off, the brush was leaving spots or blotches on the first coat which I almost covered on the later coats but are still somewhat visible. Does anyone know what could be going on? I struggled to get the airbrush to spray so once I got the paint coming out I left it as is.

Now all I need to do is leave it for a few weeks and see if all my metal prep actually allowed the coating to stay stuck!

the 6mm looks great in that boyd stock! Hows the balance?

Looks good mate ,,,,looking at "de light sabering" the the tikka soon was looking at the duracoat as a cheap option, i know there are conflicting reports on coatings but hey nothing is forever

Originally Posted by Walker

the 6mm looks great in that boyd stock! Hows the balance?

Yep great Walker thanks. Really happy with how it came out. If the Duracoat stays on better than powder coating (which I have on another rifle) then I will be over the moon.

BR: Its quite easy to do if you can figure out how to use a bloody airbrush!

Nice job be interested to know how it lasts keep us posted

Looks great. Do my .223AI TYIA

Come have a closer look when you're in town. Those photos are pretty poor.

Tuesday, I get in.


Does your camera have a "macro" mode? Try that?

Now you made me get the tripod out. Crap light is the problem. I have put the stock back on the 257 now but you get an idea. Most of it isn't too bad, just a few blotches in places.
You can see the worst on the extractor, the rest is okay.













Should be round till Thursday

I'll call. Have to go to Oamaru on Wednesday maybe.

Good Job Wildman, the 6mm together with the stock looks really classy.

Originally Posted by Wildman

Prep'ed action of my 257

What was prep done with?

100 grit sandpaper and Brake Kleen.... A wire brush in a drill too..

Looks pretty good, shame I don't have anything that needs coating! For the spots and blotches, was the air brush completely clean? No dried paint inside the nozzle from the first use that may have affected the paint flow, this can be an issue with spray painting

Yeah not sure. You used them before?