Smyth Busters: Is Paint Only for Houses, Not Guns?

[@CalebSavant]

Who wants us to do a comprehensive "how-to" on firearm painting?

[@joejohnson4183]

Yes

[@bob_mosavo]

Yes, please 😁

[@JoshuaE-BiblePatriot]

Please father please

[@mattfleming86]

I think someone needs to educate the public about sponge painting. Lay a couple colors as a thin base coat. Spray some paint on a sour cream lid or something.. dab sponge, and start dabbing on shapes/patterns. Brownells paints are great, so are aervoe, majic, and I still get decent results with krylon or rustoleum. Take a rag with some thinner and wipe off the excess oils and it'll stick GREAT. Of all the methods i've tried spongeouflage makes the best looking results with the least amount of inherant talent.

[@ryand8024]

ME ME ME ME ME!!!!

[@matthewconnor5483]

Would like to see a break down of all the different paints and coatings along with their pros/cons.

[@brownells]

That segment is planned as part of the build series.

[@reichMK23]

Show all the different colors in detail and how they compare to the other similar colors of different manufacturers. ie the different FDE colors.

[@mattrowley1675]

Steve: "Its already gotten weird enough..." Killed me 🤣 well done Gents!

[@OKBushcraft]

@@flat-earther paint fumes. The earth is a globe.

[@awecomeonman]

😂 fr

[@seang1032]

That was a great reaction

[@chillios2222]

huffing

[@glentnoves4664]

I would love to see a “how to “ on painting from y’all!

[@oscarmike7980]

Pick a color or colors; point and depress the nozzle. There you go!

[@ratagris21]

Need the Bubba Fet look tutorial also in Wolf Gray.

[@imjudeau2156]

@@flat-earthersilence bot

[@OKBushcraft]

@@flat-earther let's stay on topic. Keep your flat earth at those channels. 🌎

[@ViktoriousDead]

We always painted our rifles in Ranger batt when we first got to our FOB on deployment to match the surroundings

[@Daniel-of2ss]

Yep paint according to the environment, black sticks out like a sore thumb.

[@andyjensen7529]

I did my first AR in OD a few years ago. I would say the biggest part of the project is prep. I masked the T marks on my rail and thoroughly degreased everything after disassembly, let them dry, and then sprayed them. The results were fantastic and it still looks good today. Oh and I used Rustoleum camo

[@jbkormos]

I used Rust-o-leum matte FDE, OD and brown on mine with a matte clear coat to 'lock it in'. That was 10 years ago. Still looks perfect today and, if you hold the weapon 15 feet away in brush, it's invisible.

[@19mrroland]

I used Rustoleum camo as well OD, FDE and Ranger green to make a camo look. I was so freaked out before I started and all my friends were like your going to spray paint your gun! It termed out so good I also used the brush in my yard as stencils to give the leaf/grass look. I did all the masking and degreasing as well and this was on my 300 Blackout, I don't regret it at all and will do it again! Just know once done its not undoable so make sure your 100% before. ;)

[@ViktoriousDead]

Why? Haha just rattle can that somm gun

[@terrysaunders2026]

@Andy Jensen: Get the proper width of pin stripe tape, makes masking the rail T-marks easier. What did you use?

[@Arcain321]

The better the paint job, the less it gets shot. The worse the paint job, the better the shooter

[@Zantar45]

I've spray painted a few firearms over the years, super easy. One of them I didn't do a good job completely degreasing but it still turned out perfectly fine. Little tip, buy some toy guns from a dollar store to practice your spraying technique on.

[@terrysaunders2026]

@Crisis B: I have three old Daisy Red Riders kicking around from when the kids were still home. I think I’ll practice with those! Thanks for the idea.

[@sgtrhyno]

I like how Steve keeps switching coffee cups. Keeping it interesting sir!

[@livinglegacy7]

I saw this too and was like ..wait he just had a different mug! 😂

[@mtower235]

I’ve got several painted long guns. Got a few cerakoted too. It makes a huge difference in camo. Paint is easy and cheap and it doesn’t glare as much

[@mcalixtro82]

wow. mtower you're a flat earther denier.

[@randy24241]

A how to video is definitely needed from you two

[@JW-fq1pp]

I've done a couple rattle can jobs, the first on my very first AR I built up from an 80% lower. It has a different scope on it now that I left black, but I'm happy with it. I also camo'ed a fairly expensive bolt action at the same time that looks really nice. Rustoleum for the win!

[@SEAKPhotog]

I'd love gun coating tutorials from you guys using Brownell's products.

[@mymomsaysimcool9650]

I repainted a few beat up magazines with Alumihide. They look brand new and are holding up well. Actually impressed with results over original finish.

[@spencertrump5608]

I had Caleb and Dea as an instructors when I took the Brownells Alt Finish Class at Pennsylvania Gunsmith School. Great class.

[@rlknight57]

I have a friend that was a 20 year Navy Seal. They are trained in camouflaging their weapons with rattle can finish.

[@tootall1591]

I believe Steve is alternating white and black coffee mugs as a sign for help. Caleb must be holding him against his will and forcing him to paint guns…

[@foreverbrownsfan]

I noticed this, too. Funny comment! 😂

[@jonathanritter5508]

I'm glad that I'm not the only one who noticed!!!

[@leeleland2435]

I want the tutorials! I enjoyed meeting you two in the store a few weeks ago. Even a 71 year old curmudgeon gets excited meeting favorite celebrities!

[@ethan5.56]

Alumahyde 2 is amazing. Painted an AR upper in FDE alumahyde and it has held up great over the last year and a half. Extremely durable finish and it looks great! Great video as always

[@jmmartin7766]

I would appreciate some Brownell's "how to" videos on using different kinds of paints (from regular rattle can to duracoat). The AR I have currently was rattle-canned by me, and I love how it turned out. So, I am also interested in painting future ARs via different methods

[@pureblood3581]

I've camouflaged my flint lock. It's really cool.

[@Alfs_Armory]

Just finished my final class at SDI. I Duracoated my AR10 OD Green. It came out awesome.

[@RobotPanda15]

Seasonal Rattlecan jobs have been my go-to the past year. It's really interesting seeing the top coats fade and having the original pattern underneath. Really interested to see the outcome of it in 2 or 3 years

[@jasonwilliams1085]

I've used & love aluma-hyde 2. I also do ceracoat. Once did a camo rustoilm paint job on a shotgun, was very hard to remove after 10 years

[@JohnQuincy1776]

that wolf grey looks really good.

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

I painted an M1A and an AR-15 several years ago with Duracoat and they looks great. I've also Duracoated a few pistols with worn out finishes whith some great results. Proper prep is the key for any refinishing task.

[@man-bear-pig1590]

You were going to say “Taint-ers” weren’t you!?! It’s you blaster and money, do what you want and go train. Love the show!

[@jamesnapier107]

You spoke the truth there Steve. It's already gotten weird enough!

[@misterlewgee8874]

Slipped in a Classic there...

[@diegomontoya796]

After I drilled the scope mount I rattle canned my serial matched garand. Looks great.

[@possumpatrol45]

I hereby knight thee Sir Bubba of the Order of the Dremel!

[@johnnydhillon70]

I use my kitchen oven all the time for curing painted part's, my wife over the years is ok with it and is very understanding, especially when I did her engine parts in purple and baked them in the oven she was all for it

[@A_Brit]

I like the banter back and forth. I like using the ratlecan on my guns. It wears in about a year to give it that well used look. 6 spray paint colors for the cost of 1 air cured anything. That being said I have used air cured duracoat and it's great.

[@johngetty3839]

I don't always agree with the subject of these videos, but I'll keep watching for the witty repartee. Always entertaining!

[@Logan-pc1lm]

This is the best video I've seen from y'all. Thank you for the fun and informative information

[@NorthwoodsShooter]

I’d LOVE to see a video tutorial on painting firearms, in a way that Steve used to do videos on bluing some 10-12 years ago.

[@freetobe3]

I love a basic OD green or NATO green rattle can paintjob. All matte, no gloss, and painting only some parts with careful prep work.

[@MoH_Dank]

"it's already gotten weird enough" - Amen to that brother

[@herknorth8691]

I'm not a very artsy person but I understand people who are when I paint my guns. It's an outlet for creativity that I didn't know I needed.

[@paulbaker5920]

I had an old Ruger Standard 22 pistol with worn bluing that I painted with plain old rattle can high heat black paint. It looked great. But unfortunately, it only lasted for 40 years. Now I have to do it again. My only cancellation is that if it lasts another 40 years I won't have to worry about painting it again.

[@Adeoneer]

I've lost count on how many times I've asked that question. Yes some gun painting videos would be very nice thank you.

[@SpetsnazBear-3710]

I love this "Show"... On of my favorites. Great topics and I love the back and forth banter. Today's Topic is a classic one... As for the "non-painting" crowd who feel the need to chastise ..... well, MANY folks in the Armed Forces Community, in actual combat conditions, PAINT their firearms. I have had a cera-coat done on 1 of my rifles (professionally), and it was not cheap, and looks great... Since then I have watched several guys show "how to" (Garand Thumb) and have researched different paint products... Brownell's Paint is new to me. For me, my thoughts are, "its your firearms, if you wish to paint it... "Bob's your Uncle". Not using the Home's stove.... GREAT advice. After all, we are 'guys'....

[@sinisterthoughts2896]

it's something I've been putting off just because I'm not sure where to start. a video from you guys on the matter might help me out quite a bit.

[@EddieED711]

Check out save face on youtube using dish soap and camo paint. I painted a 6.5 using his method.

[@edgardoroman9061]

It would be great if you gentlemen would do a series of videos in painting, bluing and finishing firearms.

[@rokkitlauncha]

Definitely! Would love to see a tutorial how to properly use aluma hyde!

[@Arcain321]

For those asking for a “how to” just tape things you don’t want paint on, then spray with cans of spray paint that match your environment. Don’t over think, the more you think the worse it will get. Do not care. Use the damn gun. Wear the paint off with use.

[@mattcole8173]

Great video guys. I would definitely like to see a video on painting firearms. Was disappointed with Brownells paint though. But two cans both of them clogged up the nozzle, even tried a new nozzle. Couldn't get any pain out of the can. So I will probably go with a different brand. Seeing as how you can't return paint. Thanks for all the videos guys.

[@richardjohnson4238]

I painted my Sears-Roebuck 12 ga pump with a camo pattern about 40 years ago, with a couple of rattle cans of some stuff called "Bowdull", oddly enough made for painting bows. That stuff was/is as tough as nails. Sure, it chipped and wore off in a few places, but then it rode in pickup gun racks, bungied to the roll bar of my Jeeps, or just tossed into the bed of a truck at times. Still looks like an old Sears pump that's been painted by "Bubba" but still works just fine.

[@turnerfire8958]

Best prepping practices, also how to/ what to use for a spray on solid lube for inside the upper receiver. Thank you.

[@monsterk7603]

I'd like to see a coating how to video. 👍

[@jasestrong]

In the army in the early to Mid 90’s we were a let to coated the Non metal surfaces with a product Walmart sold call Bow Spray, for coating you compound bows , not really big with Longbows and recurves. The reason they let us use it , it was easily removed. We only did it on deployments not in Garrison.

[@seamasrigh2162]

I rattle canned a Sig P250 grip. Came out looking good and it wears well enough. The holster marks add character.

[@paulblackman4833]

I've used DuraCoat on several firearms, very happy with results and durability.

[@settlesmachiningtools8671]

Did you use it on a raw aluminum ar15 receiver? I used aluma Hyde 2 on an 80% build and I really wasn’t the impressed with it started scratching off when I put the upper together

[@adamburns2452]

I have rattled caned a 10/22 barrel hydro dipped a custom savage barrel turned out ok ✅ I like the patterns and the matte flat paint kinda wanted a white color for the snow but never got around to it

[@EDCIndiana]

I would LOVE a tutorial from yall on painting your pistols & rifles!

[@Snailz5]

I’ve had nice success with rust oleum camo paint. I place netting over the part and spray through pine needles so you get an overlaid hexagon mesh and striping pattern that I like the look of. Finish off with a matte clear coat and you’re good to go.

[@GC-bz3ob]

I used alumahyde out of the spray can once. Left it hanging to air dry for almost a month. It felt dry to the touch after about a day tho, but I still left it hanging for close to a month. Once I finally put it back to together, I laid it on a soft pistol case overnight. The next day, the fabric pattern of the pistol case was imprinted into the finish. And there’s NO sanding alumahyde either! I found that out the hard way too.

[@hav1byte]

would love to see all they different types of gun paint jobs, the specs, patterns..would be really cool....

[@mtyson9004]

I would really enjoy a video on gun painting! Please and thank you!

[@randyvannatta6523]

Tutorials would be appreciated and helpful. I’m planning to paint my AR and was thinking rattle can until I saw this video. I’d like to learn more about various coating options.

[@rodanvssct]

Please do a how to with aluma Hyde 2.

[@wirehoncho]

For the last 25 years I've been using Auto grade paint finishes for sporty builds, flat Earth tone rattle can for the old school USGI tac paint look. I'll use rattle can finishes even on top of cerekote to add a pattern that I'll either touch up or do over every few years. I keep a blow dryer handy

[@jameswood8796]

Yes I would love to watch an instructional coating/blueing etc from you guys.

[@nickyaw514]

Would love to see a video on alternative finishes! Do it!!!!

[@richardlong5404]

Yes, would love to see.

[@dgax65]

I would definitely like to see some video tutorials for using Gun-Kote and Aluma-Hyde.

[@MZ-rn3xq]

Yes plz! We would like that very much!

[@TheSprinklerNinja]

I just used some alumahyde Ii and talked about it. That's why the matrix probably suggested this video. I used it on an old shotgun several years ago too and it's held up well, it's actually an epoxy so it's kind of like a plastic not an acrylic paint , that's why it sticks so well.

[@laughingsaladfarm]

Yes PLEASE, give us a tutorial on the coatings, alumahide, gun coat, cero and dura coat. that would be awesome

[@GhassanTheBomb]

It’s funny this came up as am I am looking at cerakoting mine. Thanks for a video a tutorial on other ways to apply would be great

[@MyItalians]

I wouldn't mind. I've built a couple and have also wondered what it would take to customize.

[@jeffcheek5516]

Would love to see tutorials on coating. Great idea

[@emmanuelmendonca3922]

The guys are a fantastic duo!

[@Elimn8r64]

"Functional art in the form of a firearm". Very poetic indeed Caleb. :)

[@joshawageorge2122]

Hey the colour 's can be injection molded instead of painting .in which goes into prep work such as sanding and the adheasion for type of paint .Now stainless does not have to be coated or blued but can be painted if sanded

[@afireinside33110]

Bajillion with a B it's the technical term. Love how you guys are low key funny

[@chrisb9478]

I like all my hunting rifles painted camo. I usually use Brownells Alumahyde or Rustoleum matte & a couple pro Cerakote jobs. If you can only use 1 color, Coyote is my favorite compromise color.

[@paulmartin6895]

I like to see how to paint , it be interesting to see how and what all can be used .

[@SWVA2TX]

I love painting my guns! My first one was a tiger striped AR 10.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I'm 52, US Army veteran 4yr & a gun owner, ccw user. Some coatings, paints 🎨 do better than others. Rob Barkman's NP3/NP3+ was excellent ✔️. He retired & sold his custom shop. 📂 I've had cerakote, cerakote elite guns. Be careful of who applys & does paint on your guns. Some shops are way better than others. Cerakote Elite is durable but can streak, wear off. Some say Black Nitride is a + choice but I haven't used it yet. I'd add that alloy or aluminum style metals might scuff, mar faster.

[@thereloadingcraft]

Y’all are the best haha 😂 Would love to see a how-to video with Alumahyde!

[@callumbush1]

I got my rifle gold plated it looks sick bro!

[@saxmusicmail]

I started using Norrell's Molyresin to touch up AR receivers and other parts back around 1990, and it has always worked well for me. Can't do plastic parts because they can't be baked at the 300*F Molyresin requires to cure. But as mentioned, this stuff goes on so thin you can still see machining marks. Does not fill in markings. And I think the thin coating also makes it more durable. I want to try Ceracote and Aluma-hyde.

[@danielwade7.62x51]

Just tiger striped my ak last night with allumahyde . Turned out awesome . And i did 2 ar15s as well Im addicted to coating my guns . Prep work is key

[@HM_Cash]

Been thinking about it... might have to try the brownells rattle cans, I just need to jump and start making mistakes

[@oregonhockeyfan]

I've had some success with painting my guns in the past, but I'm always open to learning new techniques. Please make a video!

[@YuTbCensorship]

Could Smyth Busters do Video showing the different Shade of Alumni Hyde on on 12in square pieces of Metal to show colors variations. I want to know how Dark Grey Parkerizing is compared to the Regular Grey Parkerizing. I have had lots of success with Grey Parkerizing. I used Alumni Hyde on several AR15, my mistake was not particularly assembling. The coating did make it hard to put small parts on. I learned after the first one. I now use Blue Tape and Execto Hobby Knife to trim around small parts. I have used Brownells OD Green, FDE and the Light Grey Parkerizing is pretty close to Grey/Green Military Color Parkerizing. I'm thinking about buying the Dark Grey Parkerizing....but not sure if it looked close to what is on current Production Colt AR and S&W MPll which is almost a Satin Black

[@mr.r622]

I would love to see y'all put together an online tutorial for gun painting

[@NotAMathAsian]

I would love a DIY coating/painting video!

[@ML014983]

There are alot of tutorials for canning these tools. I think one from Brownells would be beneficial too.

[@andakin117]

I'd be interested in that tutorial you guys mentioned.

[@bloodybones8027]

Yes give us a painting tutorial. We love some how to videos. I love painting my fighting rifles. It it gets dinged up just hit it with a touch up spot spray. Thanks guys.

[@lewisgraves7169]

Please do a video demonstrating coating applications

[@randyfrantz7195]

I've painted several guns with Duracote using an air brush. That was a few years ago and all of the guns have held up extremely well. In fact, I bought a Beretta 92 in .22LR that is factory coated in flat dark earth. It has chipped a bunch and is much more delicate than the guns I painted. I'm sure I bought the Durracote from you.

[@cripplers8]

I was always leary of painting my rifle for years until I finally took the plunge and did it and am glad I did a few years ago.

[@williamnegronjr.1200]

I'm thinking about painting a few things, I would love to see the air brush method.

[@owyheekid7186]

Add another yes to the “how to”. God bless!

[@barrybrown3080]

Would love to see a comprehensive tutorial for both long arms and pistols. What products, how to use them for different scenarios and how to maintain them.

[@davidunderwood3605]

Germany was importing Hawes ( not for sure of spelling ) 6 guns back in the 70s and 80s that were coated instead of blued. I had one for long time before finally passing it on to a worthy person.

[@AT502]

"It's already gotten weird enough..." Man, ain't that the truth! I'm all in for a comprehensive "how-to" video on firearm painting, do it!

[@shrimuyopa8117]

Yes, please show us how to properly do a paint job!

[@lancebane3088]

YES! DEFINITELY! Painting tutorial episode would be AWESOME! Can you cover things like... Can you paint over Cerakote with something other than Cerakote? What's the most forgiving paint? What's the easiest to work with? Do you need primer? Do you need to do prep work?

[@9thGenerationCajun]

I have a painted 10/22 that was in my closet during a 9ft flash flood for a few days the stock swelled up but everywhere the paint was did not rust. Another good reason to have a painted gun if it's going to be in the outdoor elements.