Best Paint for Guns – 2023 Reviews and Comparisons
The best gun spray paint is invaluable for the firearm enthusiast. Not just protecting your weapon from oxidation, bumps, and knocks — it also adds welcome camouflage for hunters and trappers. Highly durable, resistant to heat, and unaffected by the harshest solvents and cleaners — it can restore your shooter to showroom condition.
Best Paint for Guns – 2023 Reviews and Comparisons Information
Gun Paint Comparison Table
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Best for Hunting
|
Best for Hunting
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Rust-Oleum Camouflage Spray Review Rust-Oleum Camouflage Spray Review | |
|
Best Solvent Resistant
|
Best Solvent Resistant
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Brownells Aluma-Hyde II Review Brownells Aluma-Hyde II Review | |
|
Best for Durability
|
Best for Durability
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Duracoat Aerosol Kit Review Duracoat Aerosol Kit Review | |
|
Best Heat Resistant
|
Best Heat Resistant
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Dupli-Color Engine Enamel Review Dupli-Color Engine Enamel Review | |
|
Best for Gun Sights
|
Best for Gun Sights
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Gun Glow Review Gun Glow Review |
Best Gun Spray Paint 2023 — Buyer’s Guide
Modern paint for guns allows you to make your shooter one solid color, create elaborate patterns, or apply contrasting hues. When it comes to painting firearms, the only limitation is your imagination.
There are many firearm paint brands on the market today. These products come with various different features. You need to ensure that the paint you choose is compatible with the different surfaces you’ll be covering, and that it’s available in the color you require. You may also want your painted product to be able to withstand extreme conditions.
That’s why it isn’t always easy to choose the best paint for a gun — but, don’t worry, we’ve prepared a comprehensive Buyer’s Guide to help you make an informed decision. Keep reading to help you decide which gun paints are most suitable for your needs.
What Is Spray Paint for Guns Good For?
Firearms spray paint is the ideal solution for projects that require restoring your old gun and bringing back its luster. It will give the ultimate in hiding power, improving your hunting prowess.
Depending on the type and brand, weapon paint can work on plastic, wood, metal, nature blinds, boats, vehicles, hunting equipment, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, you’ll find it effortless to use.
The great thing about firearms paint is that it includes resistance to solvents and cleaning chemicals that are damaging to most paint coats. Also, if properly cured, it can easily resist oil, moisture, salt, corrosion, and grease.
Some of these aerosol gun paint products only take 20 minutes to dry completely. The paint can be applied either indoors or outside in most cases. And, when applied on top of a primer, it offers long-lasting protection and durability.
Precautions When Using Firearm Spray Paint
During the handgun painting process, tiny clouds consisting of small particles of paint remain in the air. If you aren’t careful, these can damage nearby surfaces. Hence, it’s essential to prepare your workspace before you begin your painting project.
Another thing you need to bear in mind is the curing and drying time of the pistol paint. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow their guidelines when it comes to these steps. Some paint for firearms will need more time to cure than others. Our individual product reviews will help you avoid this if you don’t have the time to wait.
Things To Consider Before Buying the Best Paint for Guns
Fast-Drying/Single Coat
Using one of our chosen products to paint your gun will save you time and mess when compared to using a brush.
You’ll be able to coat all surfaces with ease and speed. Why waste money taking your gun to a firearm store, which will probably not paint your gun as precisely as you can? Some products dry very fast and only require one coat. This means your gun will be ready in no time after you’ve painted it.
Durable Gun Paint
If we need to mention one thing that’s essential when finding the best gun paint
for your needs — that would be the resistance of the paint to chemicals, heat, and other extreme conditions.
The increased durability of these products to solvent bore cleaners and other chemicals is significant because you will use them to clean your gun. When such chemicals come into contact with your firearm, they could damage some types of paint.
So, to avoid these kinds of problems, it’s wise to choose a product that will resist these damaging elements and formulas.
Guns Painting Finish
A paint spray will provide a smooth finish, thanks to the excellent application methods it offers. That means you don’t have to worry about runs and splotches on the firearm. The only thing you need to pay attention to is drying time.
Crucially, think about the final finish — specifically whether you want a toned-down matte coat, or a bold shiny gloss covering. While a sparkling barrel may look awesome on the firing range — it’s to be avoided when hunting to prevent warning game of your presence.
Curing Time and Coats
All the best paint for firearms have different curing times, depending on their formula. The paint can be touch dry but not be cured for a significant period. Some sprays can take a long time to cure to a tough state — this could be up to a week.
Yes, it takes a lot of time, but the results are incredible. If the paint is cured correctly, it will easily resist oil, chemicals, moisture, salinity, corrosion, and grease. And the best part is that your gun will look like it just came out of the store.
For most products, you’ll spray one coat of paint, leave it to dry for several minutes (according to instructions) then apply an additional coat. After you’ve applied the second layer, leave the paint to dry for the manufacturer’s specified time. This will provide you with the best results and give your gun a fresh new look.
Paint for Firearms Colors
The best spray paint for firearms is the most effective and easiest way to make a change, especially when it comes to restoring the shine of your gun. Luckily, there are plenty of paint sprays for firearms on the market that you can use.
Most of the products we mentioned in our reviews come in a variety of colors, giving you several options — even camouflage if you’re feeling adventurous.
All you have to do is choose the right color to complete your project. The overall results can be fantastic. But, if you aren’t interested in the look of your gun but in its performance, especially in low light conditions, you should consider purchasing glow paint to provide you with the best sight.
Tips and Tricks on How To Paint a Gun
Gun Painting Preparation
Degrease the parts of your gun before applying spray paint. The best way to do that is to roughen it slightly with sandpaper or a Scotch-Brite pad — for better adhesion of the paint. This is an easy but effective approach for a DIY project.
Another method, if you have the tools, is to sandblast the gun’s metal parts to prepare the surface for coating. This will remove old coverings and help give a flat, even look to the result. If there are parts you don’t want to coat, make sure you cover them with masking tape before sandblasting.
Use modeling clay to plug any holes. Bear in mind that you should never coat some critical parts. Use sand that’s made specifically for this kind of project. The best you can use is an aluminum oxide 120-grit blasting medium. Keep an eye on the metal and keep the sandblaster moving so you have a smooth sheen to the finish.
Use goggles, a respirator, long sleeves, and leather gloves for protection — if you aren’t using a cabinet. Once you’ve finished, remove all the clay and tape. If necessary, degrease the surface again. Don’t forget that before coating, you should have bare, clean metal.
Applying the Paint Coat
The next step is to apply the coating. Spray the firearm with the desired color. Hold the sprayer or can six-to-eight inches away from the surface, painting each part until all areas are evenly coated. Let it dry according to the instructions, before applying a second coat, if necessary.
After the paint has dried, remove the tape from the parts you haven’t sprayed. The surface may be dry to the touch in 30 minutes, or it could be up to three hours. With some paints, you can bake the metal parts for 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or according to instructions. You can use any controllable and constant heat source, such as an oven.
It would be wise for you to use an oven thermometer to regulate and monitor the temperature. Test all the gun parts you intend to place in the unit, to see if they have enough hanging space without touching each other. And, make sure you have done the preparation steps properly.
The Best Paint for Guns — Our Top Five Picks
Rust-Oleum Camouflage Spray
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Our Rating: 4.9
Pros
- Fast-drying in just 20 minutes.
- Durable and knock-resistant.
- Comfort-use tip for extended spraying periods.
- The best spray paint for rifles for hunting.
- Flat matte color.
Cons
- Premium price for a premium product.
For those who want to re-paint their firearms for hunting, the Rust-Oleum is the best camo spray paint on the market today. After trying and comparing many different sprays, we can say that this product is number one on our list. It can be used on wood, plastic, masonry, or metal for ultimate concealment.
This paint is also fantastic for hiding boats, tree stands, vehicles, decoys, and more. Its oil-based formula will provide an ultra-flat, non-reflective finish for maximum discretion. The best thing about it is that it dries very fast, and its spraying capabilities are consistently good. It delivers twice the coverage as other competitive products and can coat 7 square feet with one 12-ounce can — which will dry in approximately 20 minutes.
Because of its durability that promises impressive longevity — you will find that it’s worth trying out. The overall result is impressive when you spray it in thin layers and take time in between to dry correctly.
Compared to other paint products, this brand has proven that it’s one of the best on the market, thanks to its robust formula and affordable price. So, if you’re looking for a paint option that will give your firearm a fresh new look and keep you hidden from your game, you’ll want to buy this product for your next project.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Brownells Aluma-Hyde II
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Our Rating: 4.7
Pros
- Resistant to the toughest of cleaners.
- Bold dark earth color.
- Hard-curing epoxy formula.
Cons
- Thick — challenging to apply.
Brownells Aluma-Hyde II
Our Rating: 4.7
Hailing from Brownells, the Aluma-Hyde II is an excellent product for rifle or gun painting. The reason for this is its best spray on gun finish for durability — offering increased resistance to solvents, bore cleaners — even trichloroethylene — and other cleaning chemicals.
These chemicals indeed do an excellent job when it comes to cleaning your firearm, but when they come in contact with any different finish, they can easily damage your gun paint.
But, the fantastic formula of Aluma Hyde paint has proven that it’s stronger than the most aggressive cleaner. It contains a hard-curing epoxy base and has a high-density, extra pigment for durable covering that will adhere to all plastics, steel, aluminum, and alloy surfaces.
It’s also an excellent option for synthetic stocks. All this means, it will resist all solvent elements and other harmful chemicals that are damaging.
Needless to say, curing time takes around one week, and it’s touch dry in a couple of minutes. Once the cure time begins, you need to wait until it is fully cured, then you can recoat. Although, there is one way you can cut curing time. Just circulate warm air over the painted pieces.
The best part about this product is that it doesn’t require a primer coat. This paint will give your gun a rust-proof, abrasion-resistant, durable, and tough finish that will blend nicely with your weapon.
As far as this paint goes, it does have a drawback — it’s super thick, which will mess with tolerances, like pivot pin setup and teardown. So, prior to painting, any openings before the pins — for example, the selector switch, will require extra attention.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Duracoat Aerosol Kit
Our Rating: 4.4
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Pros
- Specifically designed for firearms.
- Novel paint/hardener combo.
- Includes separate degreaser.
- Rust-proof.
- Matte black gun paint.
Cons
- Once opened, you should use it within two days.
The Duracoat aerosol paint is at a higher price point. Its name will not make you jump out of your chair and run to your nearest store. But, I must say, this new spray can is a fantastic idea that will set the accessory and gun refinishing world on fire.
According to the manufacturers, Duracoat aerosol paint is a two-part chemical coating and, unlike other gun paints, it was made especially for firearms. Whether you’re looking for spray paint for your Glock or Uzi — its durable formula will provide years of protection.
It comes with a unique can within a can design. A standard spray paint can on the outside contains the color. Then there is a smaller, separate vessel on the inside, containing the hardener. Although both of them are pressurized, the contents of each are separate.
When you’re ready to use the paint, you just need to press the button on the can’s base to combine the two. Before you apply it, shake well until adequately mixed. The paint can be used up to 48 hours after activation.
The applicator nozzle produces a flat, fine spray pattern that can be adjusted from vertical to horizontal. The great thing is that the spray provides a consistent pattern. You can apply it over bluing, anodizing, Parkerizing, or bare metal.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Dupli-Color Engine Enamel
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Our Rating: 4.3
Pros
- Heat resistant up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Glossy finish.
- Twin pack.
- Oil-resistant.
Cons
- Longer than stated drying times.
Dupli-Color Engine Enamel
Our Rating: 4.3
The Dupli-Color EDE161307 paint is a great solution for users who want to re-paint their firearms. Although this paint’s primary purpose is for painting car engines — its formulation means it can withstand extreme conditions such as intense heat. In my eyes, making it the best ceramic spray paint for guns.
This paint works well on a rifle’s receiver and barrel. The matte black color will give your firearm additional strength and a great new look. Compared to other brand products, it is relatively inexpensive and works great on any gun, giving them a superior, high gloss finish.
The paint cures to a resilient state. If you properly cure it, your gun will easily resist oil, chemicals, moisture, salinity, corrosion, and grease. The best thing about the finish is that it will make your gun look like it just came out of the firearms factory.
The only thing you need to pay attention to is to apply one coat of paint, leave it to dry for about 10 minutes, then apply a second coat. After you’ve finished with the second cover, you need to leave the paint to dry for about 20 minutes. Bake the gun for about an hour and 30 minutes.
Some users have complained that it took them longer to dry the paint. So, when you use it, make sure you follow the painting steps carefully.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Gun Glow
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Our Rating: 4.1
Pros
- Super-concentrated.
- Opaque.
- Ideal for gun sights.
- Lasts up to 15 years.
Cons
- Doesn’t apply well to flat surfaces.
- Some users are disappointed by the length of the glow.
The Gun Glow 0.31-ounce paint is one of the top contenders for spray painting a rifle
sight — one of the most durable and brightest products on the market. It charges faster and retains its glowing power longer than other paints of this type.
One of the great features of this product is that it adheres to both plastic and smooth metal gun sights. Setup is easy, thanks to the dropper tip applicator, which you can use to apply the paint directly from the bottle.
The viscosity and thickness of this product allow you to create more glow in one application. For optimal performance, it’s best to drop a layer of around two-millimeter thickness on your gun sight.
Gun Glow’s gun sight paint is an acrylic medium, which is non-radioactive and non-flammable. It can glow for about 30 minutes to one hour in conditions with low light, depending on your ambient illumination.
This paint isn’t just about looks — it’s about performance, which is an essential element, given potentially dangerous situations you may find yourself in. Bear in mind that it’s not tritium and can’t match its glow duration.
This paint requires charging with sunlight or UV light to glow, with sunlight taking longer to charge. However, once applied, it will repeatedly charge for up to 15 years.
Some users complained that the glow doesn’t last as long as they expected. Hence, it’s wise to keep a flashlight with you, to recharge quickly if needed.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Conclusion
The bottom line is that all our top spray paints for guns are efficient and worth checking out. These paints for guns might have some characteristic differences that will slightly change the result or their suitability for your project. Some of them are easier to clean when using chemicals, and others will dry faster. You can choose the right type and brand of paint that will fit your needs. Our reviews can help you to make that informed decision before purchasing your product. When it comes to painting your firearm, the products we’ve reviewed are among the best on the market at this time. As you may notice, there are several different types and brands. We tried out the most popular ones to see if they’re really worth the money. We listed all their good points as well as the flaws, to help you decide which gun paint will suit you best. We must say that bringing shine to firearms has never been so easy and quick. With the best gun spray paint, you’ll be able to restore the condition of your firearm in no time!