(https://dkfirearms.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/calico.jpg)
Image above is not mine, just added to show color filling.
I've been reading/watching up on color filling receivers. quite few techniques are out there. Using mediums of crayons, nail polish, enamel plastic model paint, and a few other lesser used mediums. I was really wanting to go with Cerakote however due to cost and no product of their's that is designed to do this type of technique and would result in a super serious hassle if a redo is needed, Cerakote is a no-go. I believe the enamel model paint is the way to go.
As for the technique to use, it seems that the flood the engravings with the paint, squeegee the excess paint, then clean up the spill over paint, is the way to go. I've seen three techniques using this method. First is do the fill, squeegee lightly, let the paint dry, then the excess cleanup. Next is the same but squeegee heavily, leaving minimal cleanup. Then last is to fill the engraving, let it dry, no squeegee-ing, then cleanup.
1. What medium have you used and would you use that same medium on future projects?
2. If you have used the enamel paint technique, which version of the squeegee or no squeegee did you use and were you happy with it?
3. How has the enamel paint held up? Firearm cleaning solvents are the concern of mine.
4. The barrel is stainless and the color fill color is wanted to be close to the barrel stainless. I've seen different types of mediums that are like liquid metal. Any experience with this type of item? As for now I am thinking Testors Metallic Silver enamel. I have next to no ideal how this will match up to the barrel.
5. My innate paralysis by analysis should stop and I should just shut up and get to it? :P
Thank you for any input.
Heavy squeegee method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOAUXiKjF1k
Lighter squeegee method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eWLMgDZ1xo
No squeegee method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm9DzWbtHVw
I have successfully used the nail polish method over the years. Once you get several layers built up it seems to last a long time. I filled the engravings on my KD rifle several years ago and it seems to be holding up. I most recently color-filled the engravings on my AS lower. YMMV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh0z0Nhepg0
It is easy to clean up and remove if you don't like how it looks. A few bucks and a quick trip to Dollar General and you are in business.
Let us know which method you end up choosing and how it works. Don't over think it.
I was researching this just this past week. I tried using a product from Markall called 'Lacquer Stick', which reminds me a bit of a China marker, but supposedly heat resistant up to 500 degrees, so if you're coloring in markings on barrels it shouldn't melt and make a mess. I was mostly interested in making the safe and fire markings on my AR highly visible so the poor RSO doesn't have to crane their neck or strain their eyes to see.
Thank you Cleveland and Scott.
Cleveland, I did find many metallic options of nail polish, this very well may be the way I go.
Scott, did you like the results with the Lacquer Stick?
It turned out okay, it needs a bit more material in the lettering. I cleaned the area with a cotton swap dipped in acetone, which I also used to help clean up the excess material. It's still a bit smudged (take a look at the photo), so perhaps the nail polish/paint route produces a nicer end product.
I wish I could remember how the dearly-departed DGR Guns would highlight markings and serial numbers on Garand receivers. Theirs came out beautifully!
Quote from: ScottInTX on September 04, 2023, 06:58:02 PM
It turned out okay, it needs a bit more material in the lettering. I cleaned the area with a cotton swap dipped in acetone, which I also used to help clean up the excess material. It's still a bit smudged (take a look at the photo), so perhaps the nail polish/paint route produces a nicer end product.
Hey Scott,
Try cleaning up the edges with toothpicks dipped in acetone. Precision.
Thanks Mrs. Smith, I'll give it a try :)
I've used Testors Enamel paint. I cut up old business cards and use them to basically squeegee in the coloring. I did this one years ago and haven't had to touch it up yet. As you can see, you can get a lot of different colors all around in the same area. It just takes some patience.
As a side note - I'm 100% aware that this particular firearm is meme-tastic. I make no apologies and I regret nothing.
That is awesome.
Quote from: AF5US on September 05, 2023, 08:51:54 PM
I've used Testors Enamel paint. I cut up old business cards and use them to basically squeegee in the coloring. I did this one years ago and haven't had to touch it up yet. As you can see, you can get a lot of different colors all around in the same area. It just takes some patience.
As a side note - I'm 100% aware that this particular firearm is meme-tastic. I make no apologies and I regret nothing.
I've used crayon before as a non permanent solution.
I'm gonna start calling this "gun fungus".
I really, REALLY want to hate it, but..., gha, it grows on a guy. :slap: