I spent a little time testing the Duplicolor 1200º paint (Left Pic) "bake-on" finish method
that I've seen quite a few WECSOGers utilize. I tested this method on the 20rd mag I got with
the kit to see how it will look and to fine tune the parts cleaning and preparation steps to
ensure good results can be achieved. As you can see in the "Before and After" pic, the mag
came out looking pretty good. I'll be preparing the rest of my parts to receive this method
of bake-on finish.
First off, I took the various parts that I plan to refinish outside to clean with Simple Green and
a green scour pad (Left Pic). After a thorough scrubbing, I then wiped down all the parts with Acetone
(Right Pic) to remove any remaining dirt, oil or grease. I did this to further eliminate any remaining
debris or contaminants so they won't get imbeded into the existing paint finish Imbels appear to have
during the next steps.
Next, I took 220 grit sand paper and sanded down the lower receiver since it had quite a few scratches and parts
of the original finish had flaked off in a couple areas.(Left Pic). At this point and time I was thinking that a
blast cabinet sure would make this process a lot faster and easier, but I pressed on. =) For the small parts, I
used a dremel tool with a wire wheel atachment to get into the nooks and crannies. (Right Pic) Running out of
daylight, I coated the parts down with CLP so that no rust will start to form.
I got off work early on Friday, so I went straight to work on the "Texas Jungle" Carbine soon after I got home. First, I
took Simple Green to clean the oil left by CLP off the parts and proceeded to hang them one by one with mechanics
wire on the clothes line in the back yard. I also applied masking tape to the areas on parts I didn't want paint to
get to (gas plug plunger and various threaded areas). When I had all the parts hung on the line, I took a rag with
acetone and wiped them down to remove any oils my hands may have left. I then sprayed them with Duplicolor paint in
light coats, keeping the can 8-10 inches from the part (Left Pic). After 3 or 4 coats they looked completely covered and uniform, so I left
them hanging to dry for 20-30 minutes (Right Pic).
After air drying for 20-30 minutes, I took the parts down from the clothesline with the hangers still in
place, then hung them in the oven. I had to resist the urge to don my wifes frilly kitchen apron for a photo-op
and your enjoyment, but I felt that might not be prudent lest I get it dirty from gun parts. Anyways, I took off
the masking tape some parts had on them lest I start a fire in the oven, then set the oven temp to 400º F. I grabbed
some snacks from the kitchen cabinet and a soda from the fridge and went to plop down in front of the "boob tube" and
computer while the parts baked for 2 hours. The pic below is how the parts turned out!! =)
I'm real pleased how the parts came out, but only time will tell how durable this method of
finish will be. Parts preparation would be easier with a blasting cabinet, but an enterprising
WECSOG student can get by with a little forethought and attention to detail. As of July 3rd,
all the parts and tools needed to complete the project have been placed on order. The barrel has
been shipped off to PCS Inc. to be cut, threaded and crowned. Check the Barrel & US Parts page for progress of incoming
parts, tools and barrel service.
Shoot Safe!!!
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I spent a little time testing the Duplicolor 1200º paint (Left Pic) "bake-on" finish method that I've seen quite a few WECSOGers utilize. I tested this method on the 20rd mag I got with the kit to see how it will look and to fine tune the parts cleaning and preparation steps to ensure good results can be achieved. As you can see in the "Before and After" pic, the mag came out looking pretty good. I'll be preparing the rest of my parts to receive this method of bake-on finish.
