Coatings and Finishes

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A Way To "Color Case Harden" At Home

A Way To “Color Case Harden” At Home

Some time ago, I wrote an article about completing a black powder revolver kit from Dixie Gun Works. Upon completion, the frame still needed to be refinished as it was just bare steel. I mentioned that I hadn’t yet decided on what finish to use on the frame, but wanted something that at least looked like color case hardening, as this is the finish the original Colts had

A Simple Method of Bluing You Can Do At Home

A Simple Method of Bluing You Can Do At Home

Cheap, minimal equipment, and simple are three terms that homebuilders like to hear. Express Rust Bluing offers hobbyists a way to finish firearms that all three terms apply to.

Parkerizing At Home - DIY Gunsmithing

Parkerizing At Home – DIY Gunsmithing

Once you have completed assembling and test firing your first homebuild, you’re often left with a little bit of a dilemma. With a lot of builds, you’re left with the whole firearm with exposed bare steel or at least bare in places.

DIY Gunsmithing: Finishing a Cap and Ball Revolver

DIY Gunsmithing: Finishing a Cap and Ball Revolver

If you’re new to building or gunsmithing, this project will get you some good experience fitting and polishing parts. So I’d say finishing the 1851 revolver kit isn’t a bad way to spend a weekend.

Painting the SA Saint Victor: Winter/Snow Camouflage DIY Guide

Painting the SA Saint Victor: Winter/Snow Camouflage DIY Guide

What if I wanted to camouflage my rifle?  Furthermore, what if I wanted to camouflage it for some winter/alpine/snow activities?  As it turns out, it is really pretty simple and easy to do.

Easy DIY Gun Refinishing? A Step-by-Step Review of DuraCoat Aerosol.

Easy DIY Gun Refinishing? A Step-by-Step Review of DuraCoat Aerosol.

Just as some people like to work on their own cars, I like to work on my own guns because the process can be fun and rewarding. One project that I like to do from time to time is to refinish firearms to give them a better appearance and long-lasting protection. For most of my refinishing projects, DuraCoat has been my go-to brand for a number of years for many reasons.

Make Your Own Kydex Cheek Riser: Step-By-Step Guide

Make Your Own Kydex Cheek Riser: Step-By-Step Guide

I decided to make a Kydex cheek riser and install it on my rifle. I could have ordered one, but making it myself allowed me to customize it to my rifle. Plus, it’s way more fun.

Turnbull Restoration of a 1911--Step by Step

Turnbull Restoration of a 1911–Step by Step

When should you have an old gun restored? We’ve asked the experts at Turnbull. They’ve just returned our 1911, and this is one perfect example. This gun went from Hartford to Argentina, back up to Reno and then to Turnbull. And now it looks like it would have the day it left the factory.

Coating a Stainless Revolver? WMD's 686

Coating a Stainless Revolver? WMD’s 686

So why would we or you want to do something like this? Well, contrary to what a lot of people think stainless does not mean rustless. Stainless steel will, can, and does rust. Now it is not as prone to corrosion as regular steel, but it will happen. Coating a stainless gun might be the equivalent of putting on two condoms, but sometimes its better to be have a little extra protection. See what WMD can do.