Painting Receiver & Slide Engravings

[@JoeyIngles]

This model paint works well because it’s enamel paint. Let it thoroughly dry for about an hour and you’ve actually got a hardened outer “shell” that makes this look damn good. We use the same tricks to “etch” the lines on model planes and tanks. Thinner paint and multiple layers is the trick.

[@johanblume8944]

I build models professionally - this technique is called "pin washing" and it works really well. I'll have to try this on my Glock Guns! Great idea!

[@Jaymn2589]

Great feedback! People have thought I was crazy all these years. :)

[@Kerma7]

I live in canada and don't own a single gun but shouts out to this being the most helpful engraved lettering tutorial on youtube

[@Jaymn2589]

Thanks! There is a 2.0 video I just put out a few days ago. :)

[@jamescrowl4289]

Just wanted to make a sudgestion. You can use an index card to help spread the paint. Just scrap the excess paint into the engraving. This will leave you with less paint to clean up while still giving you a good and even fill. Also, recomend using two coats to last longer. Great video!

[@bigmacfullerton7870]

Thanks for this video bro! I did my XD per your instruction and it looks killer. Now I’m doing one of my ARs

[@EvansSecret]

Did my XDs .45, came out great! The key is to WAIT. You have to wait atleast 30 minutes (i'd say more like 45-60, to be safe) for the paint to dry before wiping off the excess. If you rush it, you'll wipe the paint out of the engravings, and will have to do the whole engraving over again. You cant spot correct because when you do that, you'll end up wiping more out of the engraving that you didn't want fixed. Let my sit overnight and it came out great! Nice and dry! Also, I used a paint pen for the white, and bottle for the yellow on my engravings. The pen works just as well

[@jdwest4604]

Ivan Rüble Yep, you’re an artist! Be Safe!

[@njohnson3331]

When I was in Basic Training someone had previously done something like this so we could read off our serial numbers quickly. It was very helpful.

[@davidcroft4874]

Nail polish works just as well and it's faster. Did my XD years ago and my m&p recently. Just shake polish well. Paint over the indents.. be sloppy. Doesn't matter. Let dry about 3 minutes, run a razor over like a squeegee. Then dip a qtip in polish remover and on a parralel motion running sideways over the logo. Very little pressure. Clean it up. Just dampen the swab. You don't want it dripping. Repeat till it's cleaned up. And the polish lasts longer and leaves a harder finish.

[@rogertilden790]

Way cool way to make our firearms looking more awesome. That laser etching on most firearms deserve showing off those work of art

[@TOTALLYRELAXED]

I used to do this type of painting years ago with my S&W .357….only I used liquid paper (typing error correction fluid). Clean up was so much easier, didn’t have to use any thinner, and, the etchings stayed ‘painted’ for a very long time. Happy shooting! (Looks like you have a Hellcat Pro, too!) ~Jim~

[@robertamaty7453]

Good job ! I am doing my M1A 20 rd mags that have the emblem on the rear of the mag. I used a Testors Enamel pen and just applied lightly on the etching, and waited about 15 to 20 minutes and used the hopes # 9 and it came out fine ! Thanks !

[@whippy107]

I've watched several of these videos and I like your technique the best. Thanks!

[@tankboi82]

Dude that looks awesome!!! It looks like it was done at the factory. I just finished my XDm .45 and it turned out great.

[@JAMESON4269]

I used nail polish on my AR and I love it. Costed about $3 and has been on for almost a year now.

[@balisongman07]

Read this comment. Found the wife's polish (white for the etching. Neon orange for the sights) and went to town. Love it. Thanks bro 👍

[@Daniel-qx9nq]

What did u use to wipe away excess acetone?

[@Ephem13]

@@Daniel-qx9nq use nail polish remover without acetone. Requires a little more elbow grease but won't effect the firearm finish.

[@jerrycabrera3095]

Thanks for the idea more color variations.

[@C.Brown5150]

This is cool,makes your gun pop . In the design way , not the Boom way. Lol.

[@68BigSherm]

Looks great, especially the logo on top.

[@austinbowman4894]

U can also use non acetone finger nail polish

[@austinbowman4894]

Hell yeah bro I did the same thing 👌

[@Jaymn2589]

Yes! Just released a new video using that method.

[@sreaves2005]

I did not think it would turn out as good as it did.Great job

[@norwester7018]

Thaks for the demo, I've been wanting to do this since I got my XDS about 4 weeks ago and I thought it looked like something I could do in the shop... now I know. Cheers mate.

[@Sirwilliam1229]

Great video. I hear guys speak on color filling. But, this is the first video, that shows me how. I have just added this video, to the watch later category.

[@edwardzavala7914]

Nice work on your slide. I just finished doing my XDm 9mm Comptetition 5.25 with Walmart nail polish and acetone free nail polish remover( under$7 spent). Not much open late to buy the stuff. Nervous as hell but an hour later im damn happy. I don't know how to post pics here or I would. serves no purpose but its my gun and I Love it. Its also easy to remove back to stock or change to another color. attempting to Polishing my barrel this Friday night. best of luck to you and I need some too

[@jdwest4604]

Edward Zavala Right On! Remember to train, when ever possible. Be Safe!

[@longjonwhite]

Great result man ! Ironically, I was looking for a vid of how to REMOVE the white lettering off of pistols…HaHa! I think guys who do hobby things, whatever they may be, just enjoy messing around with their gear, changing and customising it. Part of the fun.

[@eribertoacedo9505]

You could also use high heat header exhaust paint in the event you shoot the mess out of your gun the heat won’t bother you’re inlay. Various colors which I use for various applications when I do it some colors really stand out white on black that’s nice!

[@BeingRomans829ed]

I'm guessing that, if you use something (piece of rubber, an old windshield wiper, or an actual squeegee) to "squeegee" away the excess, what little residue is left behind will be so thin that it will be much easier to remove than if a thick layer is left on. Just slap the paint on with a brush or toothpick (no need to be meticulous with it), squeegee the excess, and do a quick clean-up of the residue. Just an idea.

[@NoPro1962]

BeingRomans829ed Old credit card or license

[@garymarch4711]

T. Bone That's what I use and it works great

[@kevinwatson9405]

A problem you will find is that most are stamped, and that creates a low area around the stamping. This might or might not give you trouble getting the excess off.

[@gviola1]

Business Card...

[@charles17508]

Pretty cool trick I like it looks clean.

[@davordado9285]

Hello from Croatia nice pistol

[@jdwest4604]

Davor Dado Hello back from Colorado, U.S.A.! Be Safe!

[@pedrowhack-a-mole6786]

I use a Lacquer-Stik to highlight engravings and stampings. They are available in black, white, red, green, and yellow and produce a durable highlight. Use a stiff brush, old toothbrushes work great, and solvent like acetone or CRC's electronic parts cleaner to clean the part. Rub the lacquer-Stik over the detail you want highlighted, being sure to rub in every direction and/or in a circular pattern to completely fill the detail. Gently wipe off excess with a piece of stiff fabric like new denim, canvas or a piece of corrugated cardboard. Solvents or mineral oil will remove any lacquer staining that remains. If any discoloration remains after this it will usually disappear after a couple cleanings. This is especially useful on the round count numbers stamped on magazines.

[@OddJobEntertainment]

The method used here is the same as what you would do for a black wash in prop painting. You can just wipe away the excess to remove 95% while it's still wet and if you felt like it really needed it you could use the solvent later.

[@raquelmangual]

That turned out so nice!

[@humpster95]

This looks awesome. I can't wait to do mine

[@Jaymn2589]

@claytonsmith087 Yes! Thanks for reminding me. Since it's white i'm not going to lie it is just a tad brown looking, nothing that would keep me from doing it again. As a matter of fact I painted all my weapons so far! :)

[@jasonmckairnes4981]

Awesome Video! Just did my shield tonight. I'd say the key is to make sure the viscosity of the paint is correct like you mentioned. I'd say about a 10 or 15:1 ratio of paint to thinner would be good (I guess it depends on how detailed the engravings are). The paint set in well, and cleaned off nicely with No 9. It's going to sit overnight to set and dry up. But you can't argue with the results. I dried it off after about 30 min with no problem.

[@kcros9393]

Two words: Paint Markers. They work really well and are very inexpensive.

[@nikogto]

Did my M&P shield, I found it best to leave it sit overnight, that way paint was plenty dry, even after a couple hours it was pulling out of the engravings. I tried doing my M&P Bodyguard, those engravings are VERY small. I have to do the "m&p" on it again as it started to pull out after sitting overnight. I like the look of the white paint on black guns. I found your video after seeing many others, yours if the first one I saw using the needle, after using that the shield came out perfect.

[@horizontide568]

Bro this is fucking sick! I bet a metallic blue or red will look awesome!

[@Jaymn2589]

Give it a go and post the results!!!

[@troy9er]

I used a white crayon too and it worked great!! 1 year later and it still looks good. I'll have to try the paint method.

[@Yamiunclammy]

Use car type fine tipped paint markers,as soon as u let it 10 min,take a flat piece of cloth and wd40 spray it on the cloth then go lightly over the letters again and wipe lightly till the paints off the slide but in the inlays.

[@w4fej]

I like it !! I have the XD9 myself and think I'll do that ! Thanks...

[@davidrhinesmith515]

I done mine with fingernail polish! Worked great!

[@Jaymn2589]

100% just released a new video using that method.

[@rogertilden790]

Using white appliance spray into metal cap and do you dapping how you want, filling in deep to those way artful laser etching. This paint is the longest lasting, cause it made for everyday wear and tear of appliance's we use daily. FUN to make our precious, persizon made firearms look better and easy recognition of firearm caliber

[@evilcoqui]

That looks great. Thanks for posting the video, I am finishing an AR-15 build this week and wanted to do the same. I plan on practicing on my XD v-10, its a ported barrel so i am hoping the paint will stay on. Happy belated Birthday!

[@VincenzaV1]

For those that are worried about a "cloud" residual, simply use painters tape and cut it close to the shape of the emblem or words. Even if you are unable to get the cloud off (you should be able too though), it will be minimized by taping it off.

[@w.rustylane5650]

I think the word you're searching for is "bluing" or maybe even cerekote. Think I'll have to try that on my black powder cylinder engraved with a naval scene. Of course since I've removed all the bluing I'll be trying this with black paint. Seems I've got some black paint around for my airbrush. Rusty K9POW in eastern Tennessee

[@timthegunguy47]

Just watched your vid man great job and looks bad ass!!! wish I'd watched sooner and got a couple of the tips you showed before finding out the hard way!!! Thanks for a better way to do it.

[@UncleFjester]

*How to COSPLAY for Millennials?*

[@corycuneo997]

Brownells sells different color hi lighting "crayons". Rub it in, wipe the excess off, takes 5 minutes. Its fairly durable and can be re-applied in minutes if need be. Been doing my Glock for years.

[@frankiegunnz8066]

Is It better than regular crayons for kids.

[@travisdunn5675]

@@frankiegunnz8066 I just used a regular white crayon. Been on my carry gun for a few years no problem

[@lmdetect]

I didn't thin mine. Cleaned it up with mineral spirits. Been on the gun for 4 years.

[@antoniogriffin7135]

How's it holding up after all those years?

[@senessaxDev]

@@antoniogriffin7135 I did this on my golf clubs about 2 years ago. It holds up better then you would expect about 8/10 brightness as it once started.

[@mikequyl8754]

Awsome will. Just nail polish remover work ?

[@mikehoncho658]

Mike Quyl nail polish remover actually works better then thinner, but you wanna use the regular, or non acetone kind so that you don’t risk taking the finish off of the gun like he said the thinner would do in this video, and nail polish paint works better then hobby paint but just make sure that you like the color that you’re using since with nail polish the color can vary with different brands even tho they all say white, I have a old ruger lcr 38 spl that I’ve had the paint on since they first release the gun I bought one as soon as you could purchase it online and have it shipped so it’s been quite a few years

[@lelandphill4408]

I used white crayon on my 380 around 6 years ago . It’s still on and looks good. An can easily be removed whenever .

[@jeffcolhoun]

very helpful. Just did this to an engraved knife.

[@sheenak4934]

Did mine with a crayon... lol holds up pretty well. :)

[@uploadthis2011]

I recommend using a wooden toothpick instead of a needle. . Less risk of putting scratches on the slide using the point of a metal needle

[@HNXMedia]

Okay, that looks SICK! Nice Vid! Thanks for sharing!

[@MrDannyd9]

I have a few points: - You didn’t stress the importance of cleaning it very well -You need a paint that requires a hardener -You can use a rubber squeegee while it is still wet

[@Jaymn2589]

Fair point on cleaning. In the newest update video, I did address this. The others I don't necessarily agree with. One doesn't NEED paint with a hardener. This held up to over 7 years of EDC and use. A squeegee, in theory, will work but the practical application of it does not eliminate the need for some sort of rag to wipe off the excess.

[@MrDannyd9]

@@Jaymn2589 the squeegee makes clean up easier and the cost pennies (totally an optional suggestion). As for the paint, how white does it look today? I bet it isn’t very white, and every time you clean it well you are removing material to get it back to a bright white color. Gun cleaner and lead will embed into the soft paint. A paint with hardener (better yet, a uniglaze epoxy) will allow you to be much more careless, and make cleaning easier. Think about a car; could you power-wash it if it was this kind of paint?

[@Jaymn2589]

@@MrDannyd9 Also a fair point. I'm not disagreeing with the science behind your suggestion at all. I actually agree that it would be better. I'm just coming from the perspective that it's so easy and cheap that someone doesn't need to be overly concerned about the complexity of needing to find special paint. Just do it again a few years later. Let's face it, the average joe that is watching this just getting it done cheap and effective. Not trying to offer this as a service. Just a different use case is all.

[@MrDannyd9]

@@Jaymn2589 I’m a bioengineer... your audience comes in different shapes and size 😉

[@jimdellaghelfa8232]

So which exact paint brand ,model etc should u buy

[@Jaymn2589]

www.testors.com/product-catalog/testors-brands/testors/enamel-paint/enamel-paints

[@tcn5757]

I literally just got done doing this. I used fingernail polish. I was way faster. I learned that like you said, you do not want to gob it on there. You want to put it on thin. It is easier to take off the paint over and it goes into the small grooves easier. When you gob it on you are just asking for trouble.

[@travisgilliam5]

Mineral spirits works good on cleaning the paint off also, but like with the thinner, u gotta be carefull. I used it on my glock, didn't hurt the finish at all

[@BONEZYEAA]

Yo just got gamsol to clean it up but same thing I believe mineral spirits thank you so much I was kinda worried currently waiting 60min pr 😎

[@erwinpurigay8263]

Were did you bye that sir thanks

[@250rapid]

I used Acetone instead of gun solvent to wipe off the outer paint, it works faster with less wipping and don't need to rub hard in order to remove the dry paint.

[@iraDeMalleum]

Great job. I'd use a toothpick though. I'm sure you were careful, but the metal on metal sound was killing me! I kept thinking it was gonna scratch the pistol! Looks nice!

[@45calshooter]

I've thought about doing this many time in the past. I'm glad you posted a vid.

[@mohammedcohen]

Good idea if you don't want to spend the money on one of Brownells lacquer sticks...like a hard lacquer crayon you use to fill the engraving...I've done that on all my firearms; lets you pick up details such as the SNs and arsenal markings - and isn't permanent...good for identifying a firearm without having to resort to magnifying glasses. CB in FL

[@UpcomingJedi]

White simply stands out better. I tried a flourescent red and it was hard to see except under purple light that made it glow.

[@johnj4363]

Very sweet gonna do my Mod 2 in silver. Thanks

[@quickguesswho]

I used same Testor paint.... Enamel metallic gold (1144) and used a needle to apply it.... looks awesome....

[@bendees555]

No pic no proof

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Oh man that look purdy!!

[@ahardrocker]

Excellent video and one hell of a nice looking slide. Of all the others I have watched your is the very best looking job after it was compleated. I have an XD40 SC and an XDS which I will do now. Thanks for the tips

[@jdwest4604]

Really Really great job, of coloring the engravings on that weapon! Those were so thin and intricate lines, the brush-on nail polish method. Might not work, for coloring the engravings on that weapon. I won’t find out, right now. My G2c doesn’t have intricate engravings, to be color filled. Be Safe!

[@matthewosborne2213]

Happy Birthday dude

[@eribertoacedo9505]

Nicely done thank you!

[@flavxer7345]

Try a barrel swab instead of the shop cloth to wipe it down. Seems to work better to me.

[@nealharger6262]

Thanks! Just watched! Going to try! Great ideas!

[@TactiCali27]

That’s friggin awesome!

[@qj877]

Im picking up my XD .40 Subcompact with the od green frame in a few days. I think it will look badass with od green lettering on the slide.

[@aaronbuschell]

how come nobody wished him a happy birthday? happy belated birthday!!!!!!!!!

[@garymarch4711]

FYI.. I spoke to George Fennel... the engineer of Weapon Shield CLP. Their CLP will have no interaction with Testors paints. Not sure about interactions with other solvents or CLP. Might wanna be cautious and look into chemical compatibility. I stick with weapon shield. I wonder if the Hoppes 9 is chemically removing the paint or if it's more or less the friction of the rag breaking down. the excess paint.

[@RossPotts]

If you work with models, use some excess spruce to scrape up paint in hard to reach spaces

[@samuelalzate8573]

Best video I've seen on this topic! Thanks!

[@alexrolon3505]

Wow that looks clean . Thanks for the video

[@kaygeeboi]

I just received the enamel paint, paint thinner & the spray solvent. Wish me luck today.

[@jeffreyelliott622]

Thinking of doing both of my Walther P99's with nail polish (white) on one and red or pink on the other !!!

[@mcronn]

If you try white nail polish and nail polish remover I think you will find that it is more durable, dries faster and has a built in brush...

[@AceOfSpad3es]

Look great man in thinking of doing this to my savage arms stevens 320 12 gauge pump Thanks for the vid

[@Jaymn2589]

Hey, if you don't like it you could always just rub in the creases to get it all off....

[@trel604]

looks sick. I'm on my way to Walmart right now. thank you

[@michelleracine2716]

HOBBY LOBBY

[@Jaymn2589]

There is a special "paint" on the XD series. I don't really know how you would spot treat it since you can't get their paint. Short of Dura Coating the slide I don't have any good suggestions.

[@wiggsan]

My SIG716 is getting this treatment tonight!! Thanks!!

[@mimocz73]

Looks Awesome .. will give it try, Thanks

[@W84Mee..]

What type of paint was that?

[@Jaymn2589]

Testors Model Paint. Just plain white. I have an updated video from last year that shows how I did it again using regular nail polish.

[@W84Mee..]

@@Jaymn2589 thank you

[@SouthEast619r]

Good work I'll use a wooden toothpick instead of a metel needle

[@franklopez3873]

I was thinking the exact same thing. 👍

[@Jaymn2589]

Fair point, it would work 100%... I opted for a needle because it's a finer point.

[@jmslewis43]

Looks good.

[@Jaymn2589]

@Tom61383 The picture at the end of the AR-15 the "fire" lettering is red. Most of the red i've fiddled with always comes out dull red and doesn't pop. I think the silver would be SWEET I need to go get some silver and try it out. Just take the hobby thinner and apply it to a cloth and it will take out any letters you do. Thanks!

[@lelandphill4408]

White first then the color you want will help it stand out . Vs red over black . Haven’t tried it on engravings but worked way better with white base coat then orange vs just orange on my revolver sights.

[@jansteffens2005]

Instead of enamel paint, use water based acrylics. Acrylic paint can be cleaned up with water or thinners made for this type of paint. Once the acrylic paint dries, it’s just as durable as the enamels.

[@matiasmontijo28]

nice man gonna check out my hobby store for some colors... maybe baby blue because god loves the INFANTRY!

[@roylane8501]

If you were to use Duracoat then spray a coat of clear over the entire slide , it would never wear off. The smallest size duracoat you can get is about $10.00 though and the clear is about $20.00 but, there would be plenty left over.

[@brycekeeney4995]

Cool I might try a different color, something high contrast but not what, what do you think?

[@Jaymn2589]

Absolutely! It will work with any color!

[@davidquinones3470]

That came out sweet. Thx for sharing

[@Marcelino2435]

Not bad at all. I like and thank you for the video.

[@TaZ101SAGA]

Very nice, I may utilize this idea in the future.

[@Flashgrenade82]

great vid better then others i have seen... is that just regular model paint?

[@Richie_EDC]

Can you use the hoppes 9 bore cleaner?

[@MrRalfie23]

Use a tire marker at auto zone they come in different colors 100xs easier and last forever easy to remove with thinner