stock painting

[crosstimbers]

Odd question perhaps, but I have a stock painting project coming up and wondered if I might find some help here.

So, the project is a poly M14 stock, that will go on a M1A squad scout. Background- I have owned several M1As over the past few decades, including one that I wished I hadn't sold which I had the stock done in flecktarn camo by Karsten custom camo. What I have now (and will not be selling) is a standard squad scout with the usual black stock that comes with them now...I have ordered a M14 poly stock with the idea of painting it myself...and there comes the question.

I've painted some stocks. Ive been to a high level sniper school in my career and understand that any firearm can be painted camo and it's not rocket science or elaborate artistry.   I have in mind a camo scheme I would like to employ (blotch OD green and black,maybe some brown) not trying to paint leaves and twigs, etc.

Question is what paint to use..no I dont have airbrush stuff and wont be buying that. But something maybe better (better applied) than the camo paint found at walmart....any help is appreciated.

It's a projevt that can be stopped and started over again if the results arent good...so...dont be shy with suggestions guys.

[M1A4ME]

When you say "poly" do you mean a GI stock?  Or an aftermarket stock of some type?

Just curious.

If you've painted before you know about making sure the stock surface is thoroughly degreased/cleaned prior to painting.

Can't recommend any paint as all I've used on the M1As, M1 Garand and AR15's is the Krylon camo paint bought at Walmart.  That was spray paint.

[crosstimbers]

Yeah it's the GI stock, that brown poly

[crosstimbers]

I've used the Alumahide from Brownells in the past. Mixed results, the paint was fine but out of 7 or 8 cans purchased about half wouldn't spray from the get go. Lot of money to spend for spray paint that doesn't spray. Almost all the DIY camo jobs I read about involve Krylon or Rustoleum products. Guess thats how I will go.

[NEKvermont]

Krylon and Rustoleum paints work well but will scratch and wear, that's ok with me, I like the Battle worn look. It sure does change the look of a black plastic stock. I painted a deer rifle with Krylon and then gave it a coat of Zar Antique flat poly from a spray can, that is holding up quite well. I would recommend cleaning well and apply thin coats, less is better. The main thing is to have fun.

[mrcabinet]

Have you considered Duracoat? https://duracoatfirearmfinishes.com/  Been using it for many years, with great results. I've graduated to using a cheap HF touchup gun and my nail gun compressor, but for the first couple of projects I used their two-part rattle cans. They're a little pricey, but apply well and the finish is far superior to anything you'll grab off the shelf. The only downside is once the cans are activated, they have a limited shelf life, so plan accordingly.

[crosstimbers]

Have you considered Duracoat? https://duracoatfirearmfinishes.com/  Been using it for many years, with great results. I've graduated to using a cheap HF touchup gun and my nail gun compressor, but for the first couple of projects I used their two-part rattle cans. They're a little pricey, but apply well and the finish is far superior to anything you'll grab off the shelf. The only downside is once the cans are activated, they have a limited shelf life, so plan accordingly.

I hadn't, but will look into it. I've never used it before.

[M1A4ME]

It helps to get some old cardboard and try your paint method and order of colors to see what looks the best for you.

Which of the three colors should be your base coat that covers the whole stock?  Which would be second, which third?  That kind of stuff.  I've seen some really neat looking paint job pictures on M14 Firing Line Forum and AR15.com.

Link to a search of the M14 Forum.

https://www.m14forum.com/search/263822/?q=stock+painting&o=relevance

Tried to do a search of the AR15.com forum but never did get decent results.

[mrcabinet]

Have you considered Duracoat? https://duracoatfirearmfinishes.com/  Been using it for many years, with great results. I've graduated to using a cheap HF touchup gun and my nail gun compressor, but for the first couple of projects I used their two-part rattle cans. They're a little pricey, but apply well and the finish is far superior to anything you'll grab off the shelf. The only downside is once the cans are activated, they have a limited shelf life, so plan accordingly.

I hadn't, but will look into it. I've never used it before.

If you decide to use Krylon or something else off the shelf, I'd still recommend going over it with Duracoat clear. That way solvents and other cleaners won't strip off all of your hard work.

[E.Shell]

Have you considered Duracoat? https://duracoatfirearmfinishes.com/  Been using it for many years, with great results. I've graduated to using a cheap HF touchup gun and my nail gun compressor, but for the first couple of projects I used their two-part rattle cans. They're a little pricey, but apply well and the finish is far superior to anything you'll grab off the shelf. The only downside is once the cans are activated, they have a limited shelf life, so plan accordingly.

I'd second the "Duracoat" suggestion. I've had several stainless steel tactical rifle barreled actions done in flat black and it holds up extremely well when poking the rifle through holes and leaning on unfriendly surfaces.

There are quite a few outfits that do Duracoat and I'd bet there is one close to you. Templates are available for more elaborate color combos, not to mention the array of colors available.

I've used Krylon camo paint on a few hunting rifles and agree with the OP's assessment. It does wear pretty easily and colors are limited.

[crosstimbers]

If you decide to use Krylon or something else off the shelf, I'd still recommend going over it with Duracoat clear. That way solvents and other cleaners won't strip off all of your hard work.

Yes, I've camo'ed a few stocks before and always did a clear coat to protect.

I've had mixed results. I did a SKS "jungle stock" once (I think they were Chinese made but not sure, red composite) It looked really good, this was the stock I used the Alumahide on. Another stock I did.... not so good, that was with regular spray paint. I always prepped the stocks properly. I've used homemade stencils to give hard edges or shapes, but like the blended color look better.

The Duracoat idea interests me, but a quick check online and Yikes! they are proud of their product. But still considering that route. I've got to wait for better weather so I've got time for research.

[mrcabinet]

If you decide to use Krylon or something else off the shelf, I'd still recommend going over it with Duracoat clear. That way solvents and other cleaners won't strip off all of your hard work.

Yes, I've camo'ed a few stocks before and always did a clear coat to protect.

I've had mixed results. I did a SKS "jungle stock" once (I think they were Chinese made but not sure, red composite) It looked really good, this was the stock I used the Alumahide on. Another stock I did.... not so good, that was with regular spray paint. I always prepped the stocks properly. I've used homemade stencils to give hard edges or shapes, but like the blended color look better.

The Duracoat idea interests me, but a quick check online and Yikes! they are proud of their product. But still considering that route. I've got to wait for better weather so I've got time for research. 

Yes, they are proud of their paint. That's why I bought the $14 HF touch up gun. I can get 4 or 5 handguns, or 2 rifles, out of a 4 oz bottle of the liquid. The product itself isn't priced that bad, but the shipping really jacks it up.