Alexei Volkov
DuraCoat is a finish manufactured by Lauer Custom Weaponry that can be applied to almost any surface, including metal, wood, and plastic. It comes in hundreds of colours and can be purchased as a do-it-yourself aerosol kit. Prepping plastic for DuraCoat involves a few steps. First, disassemble the project, then clean and degrease the parts that need to be coated. Next, use a solvent to remove any remaining oils. Finally, blast, sand, or scrub the surface. Once prepped, the DuraCoat can be applied.
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What You'll Learn
Use a solvent to remove oils and grease
When preparing plastic for painting, it is important to remove any oils or grease that may be present on the surface. This can be done by using a solvent to break down and remove the grease. It is important to note that not all solvents are suitable for use on plastic, as some may degrade the material. Pure solvents, in particular, should be avoided as they are often flammable and toxic.
One recommended solvent for removing grease from plastic is isopropanol. It is widely available and often effective. It should be diluted with water before use to reduce the risk of damaging the plastic. The diluted solution can be applied to a washcloth, which can then be used to wipe down the plastic surface. This method may need to be repeated several times to fully remove all traces of grease.
Another option is to use a grease-cutting dish soap or detergent. This method is particularly effective for removing food grease or automotive grease from plastic. The soap or detergent can be applied directly to the greasy area and then scrubbed with a wet sponge or washcloth. It is important to use warm to hot water, as this helps to dissolve the grease. The plastic item can also be soaked in a sink or bucket of warm water to help loosen the grease.
For larger plastic items, a bucket of warm water can be poured slowly over the item to help remove grease. It is important to thoroughly rinse and dry the plastic item after cleaning to ensure no residue is left behind. If the plastic still feels greasy, it may be necessary to rewash it with dish soap or detergent until it is completely clean.
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Degrease with denatured alcohol
When preparing a plastic mag for DuraCoating, one of the recommended steps is to degrease with denatured alcohol. This step is important because it ensures that the surface of the plastic mag is clean and free of any grease, oil, or other contaminants that could interfere with the adhesion of the DuraCoat finish.
Denatured alcohol, also known as methylated spirits, is a form of ethanol that has been mixed with additives to deter consumption. These additives, such as methanol, benzene, or pyridine, make the liquid poisonous and give it an unpleasant taste and smell. Denatured alcohol is widely used as a cleaning agent and degreaser and is particularly effective at removing grease, grime, and oil-based substances from a variety of surfaces, including plastic.
To degrease the plastic mag with denatured alcohol, it is recommended to wear protective clothing, goggles, and gloves due to the toxic nature of the substance. Ensure the work area is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling the fumes, which can cause dizziness. Some people suggest blasting or scuffing the surface before degreasing, but this is not necessary. Instead, you can simply soak the plastic mag in denatured alcohol for several hours or overnight. This will help to break down and remove any grease or grime buildup on the surface.
After soaking, remove the plastic mag from the denatured alcohol and allow it to dry completely. You may need to scrub or wipe away any remaining residue with a clean cloth. Once the surface is thoroughly degreased and dried, it is ready for the next step in the DuraCoating process. Remember always to handle denatured alcohol with caution, store it safely away from sparks or flames, and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
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Blast with aluminium oxide
To prep a plastic mag for DuraCoating, blasting with aluminium oxide is a necessary step to ensure proper paint adhesion. This process involves using a media blaster with aluminium oxide grit to strip any existing coatings and create a rough surface for the new DuraCoat to adhere to.
- Prepare the Work Area: Set up your blasting area in a well-ventilated space or, preferably, outdoors. Ensure you are wearing the appropriate safety gear, including a respirator, eye protection, and gloves. Protect the surrounding areas from any grit and paint debris by setting up a contained workspace or laying down a drop cloth.
- Select the Appropriate Grit Size: Choose a fine grit size of aluminium oxide, typically ranging from 100 to 220. Finer grit sizes are ideal for projects like plastic magazines, as they provide a smooth finish while effectively stripping any existing coatings.
- Load the Media Blaster: Fill the hopper of your media blaster with the selected aluminium oxide grit, following the tool's instructions for proper loading procedures and safety precautions. Ensure the blaster is set to the appropriate pressure and flow rate for the chosen grit size.
- Blast the Magazine Surface: Hold the media blaster nozzle at a 90-degree angle to the magazine's surface, maintaining a distance of 6 to 12 inches. Start blasting, working in steady, controlled sweeps to ensure an even finish. Overlap each pass slightly to avoid creating lines or uneven textures. Continue blasting until the entire surface is uniformly stripped and slightly textured.
- Clean the Magazine: Once blasting is complete, thoroughly clean the magazine to remove any remaining grit, dust, or paint residue. Use compressed air to blow out any trapped grit and then wipe down the surface with a tack cloth or a damp cloth to ensure it is entirely free of contaminants.
- Inspect and Repeat (Optional): Inspect the magazine's surface to ensure the desired texture and finish have been achieved. If there are any areas that require further blasting, repeat the blasting process, focusing specifically on those spots. Otherwise, your magazine is now suitably prepared for DuraCoating, and you can proceed to the next steps of the DuraCoat application process.
Remember, blasting with aluminium oxide is a critical step in preparing plastic magazines for DuraCoating. It ensures the DuraCoat properly adheres to the surface, resulting in a durable and long-lasting finish. Always prioritise safety and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturers of your tools and equipment.
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Scuff with Scotchbrite pad
When preparing plastic for Duracoating, it is important to scuff the surface with a Scotchbrite pad to ensure the paint adheres properly. This process will create a rough texture on the plastic surface, allowing the paint to stick and form a durable coating.
Scotchbrite pads are ideal for this purpose as they are designed for heavy-duty scouring and scrubbing. The pads are made from tough, durable materials that can effectively scuff and clean a variety of surfaces, including plastic. The Scotchbrite Heavy Duty Scour Pad, for example, is designed to tackle grease, grime, and dirt on a range of surfaces. Its durable fibres are made from 100% recycled content, and the pad can be reused multiple times by simply sanitizing it in the dishwasher.
When using a Scotchbrite pad to scuff plastic before Duracoating, it is important to apply the right amount of pressure to create a uniform texture across the entire surface. This process can be done by hand, ensuring an even and controlled application. Alternatively, for larger projects or curved surfaces, Scotch-Brite Scuffing Discs can be attached to a disc pad for more efficient scuffing. These discs are available in different grades, including Ultra Fine and General Purpose, allowing for versatility depending on the project.
After scuffing, it is essential to wipe down the plastic surface with a clean cloth to remove any debris or residue left by the Scotchbrite pad. This step ensures that the surface is ready for the Duracoat application, providing the necessary adhesion for a smooth and consistent finish. Remember to wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and a respirator, during the preparation and painting process to protect yourself from dust and chemicals.
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Use a spray can for even coating
To prep a plastic mag for DuraCoat using a spray can for an even coating, you must first ensure that the plastic surface is clean and dry. This can be done by using a product like TruStrip and a blue or green 3M scratch pad to "spray and scrub". Be meticulous in this process to ensure that any oils or CLPs are removed from the plastic surface.
Next, mask any parts of the plastic mag that you do not want to be sprayed with DuraCoat. Use painter's masking tape to cover these areas, ensuring that the tape is clean and free of debris, as any debris stuck to the edges of the tape will remain in the finish.
Once the plastic mag is prepared, you can begin spraying with DuraCoat. Shake the can for two minutes to mix the paint and hardener, then puncture the hardener reservoir by inserting the included red plastic plug into the bottom of the can and pressing until you hear a "click" or "pop" noise. Shake the can again for another two minutes to fully activate the DuraCoat Aerosol.
When spraying, hold the nozzle 3-4 inches away from the surface of the plastic mag and spray side to side or top to bottom in quick, light passes. Take your time and be patient, as applying too much DuraCoat too quickly can result in dripping or beading. After each coat, use a heat gun on the lowest setting to flash the coating, which will cause the solvents in DuraCoat to evaporate and initiate the drying and curing process.
For small parts of the plastic mag, such as trigger pins, magazine release, and bolt catch, you may find it easier to put them in a wire strainer and spray them until they are lightly coated. Depending on the colour and environmental factors, you may need to add a few drops of DuraCoat retarder to your mix to prevent blushing or dry spray.
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Frequently asked questions
First, disassemble the project. Next, degrease the plastic surface by hand with a Scotchbrite pad or fine emory cloth. Then, remove any dust with air or a soft, clean paintbrush. Finally, mask any parts that should not be sprayed with painter's tape.
DuraCoat is a finish that can be applied to almost any surface, including metal, wood, and plastic. It comes in hundreds of colours and can be purchased as an aerosol spray can.
You will need a solvent that will remove all oils and then evaporate, leaving the surface dry and clean. You can use a solvent like a lacquer thinner or brake cleaner, available at most grocery or hardware stores. You will also need painter's tape, and a spray can of DuraCoat.
