Painting the body

[Affliction]

Hey ASCers. I've been thinking about painting my G&P M4A1 body black (since the grey color out of the box looks plasticy even though its actually metal).

I'd like to know:

-Suggested type of paint to use (for durability and realism looks)
-Whether spraypaint or a brush-on paint is better to use
-Precautions I should take to make sure my gun is not damaged
-What areas I shouldn't paint

Thanks-VM

Left: What it currently looks like
Right: What I want it to look like

[shinjit noir]

Originally Posted by VipaMave

Hey ASCers. I've been thinking about painting my G&P M4A1 body black (since the grey color out of the box looks plasticy even though its actually metal).

I'd like to know:

-Suggested type of paint to use (for durability and realism looks)
-Whether spraypaint or a brush-on paint is better to use
-Precautions I should take to make sure my gun is not damaged
-What areas I shouldn't paint

Thanks-VM

Left: What it currently looks like
Right: What I want it to look like

1. Krylon Flat (rough finish) or Semi Flat Black (smoother finish) (haven't really had experience with airbrush, but krylon seems to do the job just fine)
2. see above
3. best would be to take apart the gun into separate pieces and spray it. If not, tape up areas that you don't want sprayed (cover the hole of the barrel so no paint goes in your inner barrel)
Sanding with a fine grit sand paper quickly helps with abrasion to the body. I have also found spraying it and leaving it to dry on a sunny day helps it dry.
4. The guns pretty much safe to spray anywhere, minus the magwell hole and the inner barrel hole of the gun.

Remember, patience is key. Spray in single strokes, about 10-12 inches away from the parts and let them dry! The best finish will be the one you do multiple layers (even if it seems like it's going on slowly)

[trigger]

yep krylon is the way to go. be sure to stuff some paper towel in the mag well and flash hider just in case some particles get in there. also be very careful around the hop up flap and fire selector, just spray lightly and let it dry well before adjusting. the chances of any getting inside are slim but better safe then sorry.

[Affliction]

What exactly is Krylon?

[Aper]

Originally Posted by VipaMave

What exactly is Krylon?

Krylon is a brand of aerosol paint. If you want a nice flat black finish, I suggess taking the Camo Flat Black from Krylon. Dries in ~ 10 - 15 minutes, and the finish is awesome. Like mentionned above, use a smooth grain sandpaper to make the paint grip to the parts that you'll be painting.

Since you are not painting your gun OD or Tan, a primer coat is not a must.

[FNG]

Damn-it! Clicked on this thread hoping for more of this.

[lt_poncho]

LOL! Now there's a camo scheme! Good find.

Krylon is the way to go! It's not hard on the lungs either - god knows I inhaled a fair share of it...

[Dozer_01]

Green and black is a turn on, but the brown just ruins the whole pic.

[Affliction]

Where could I get Krylon paint locally? (I currently reside in Markham)

I checked out CT and no luck there.

[hummermaniac88]

Home depot/ Rona should have it.

[Affliction]

How would I go about detaching the stock?

Awesome feedback everyone, thanks =)

[hummermaniac88]

Just like how you ajust it, BUT, this time the other end gets puched out instead of in, and should slide smoothly out.

[Grim Fandango]

If there are any parts on the body you don't want to get paint on, just tape it with electrical tape. The part will be protected and electrical tape will peel off easily without leaving any sticky residue.

[Matt_P]

Or you could us painters tape ....

[Grim Fandango]

Originally Posted by Matt_P

Or you could us painters tape ....

I know nothing about painting shit, so I wasn't aware they have painters tape. I find electrical tape easier to use on smaller parts though, plus I have a shitload of electrical tape for some odd reason.