OUR PROCESS
Most Custom Coating projects start with a complete gun, but we can also just take parts. Some people like to shop for their own components, especially when building an AR pattern rifle. If so, we will check our inventory for the desired parts to make sure we have everything. Once everything is in order, we start work on your project.
PREPARATION
Each project gets disassembled and goes through a thorough degreasing and sandblasting as needed. Oils are easily trapped between parts, so degreasing is better accomplished when a firearm is fully taken apart. Disassembly can also reduce potential damage caused by sandblasting grit getting trapped between parts. After degreasing, your project will be abrasive blasted using a variety of different techniques. The dust is then removed and it is off to the spray booth.
APPLICATION
The coating products we apply all spray just like automotive paint. Similarly, we are able to achieve many of the same effects as seen on higher end car finishes. We normally group parts by color before starting spraying to increase overall efficiency. Oven-cure Gun Kote dries quickly, so it can go into the oven an hour after application. Cure temperatures and times, however, are not one-size-fits-all so there will likely be some variance from project to project.
COMPLETION
Once the parts are out the oven and cooled enough to be handled safely, your project is reassembled, lubed, and function checked. This also includes function testing to make sure the action and safeties work properly. We then notify you that your project is ready for pickup/shipping and you get a gun ready for the range!
COATING CAPABILITIES & LIMITATIONS
With few exceptions, we at D3 Research are able to coat almost every part of your gun. Common items we coat include:
- Stainless Tumblers
- All metal parts and components
- Polymer pistol frames from most major manufacturers
- Magpul hard-plastic products
- Wood stocks
- Some optics depending on the make/model
While we are able to coat most aspects of your gun, the following materials DO NOT take to the coating process:
Rubber or Overmolded Parts
Rubber surfaces may not survive abrasive blasting, or may get impregnated with media. They also tend to form gas blisters during the oven-cure.
Non-Dismantlable Electronics
Electronics like flashlights and lasers may not take the heat during cure and it can be difficult to keep media from leaking inside. The body can only be coated if it can be disassembled.
Silicone-based Materials
Even small amounts of silicone will cause “fish eyes” in the finish. Be mindful of “gun socks” that use silicone as a corrosion inhibitor and cheap imported accessories that use silicone oil.