April 28, 2022

How to paint a synthetic gunstock

Many of the modern rifles on the market are equipped with synthetic stock. These products are chosen because they offer excellent durability and affordability. One of the disadvantages of these stocks is that they are not as aesthetically pleasing as their vintage wooden counterparts. Many consumers, therefore, opt to customize their rifle stock by painting it. The best choice for this activity is an epoxy-based primer and paint. You will also need 180-grit sandpaper and masking tape.

Steps to painting a plastic gun stock

  1. The first step involves detaching the plastic gunstock from your rifle. Each manufacturer has its way of doing it, and these often vary. You will need to dig into your operatorโ€™s manual for the disassembly information. It is a good idea also to remove the butt plate from the rifle if possible.
  2. 180-grit sandpaper will be required to sand down the weapon. The sanding process can be performed by hand, and this is recommended. It is best to avoid using a mechanical sander because it can damage the synthetic gunstock. Make sure that you remove the parting lines you see on the stock. This section of the weapon must become smooth before any painting can be done.
  3. To guide you as you work, it will be essential to apply masking tape to the inside part of the rifleโ€™s gunstock. This tape will serve as a guide to helping contour the color with the exposed surface of the stock. The interior bedding of the stock and the butt plate will need to be protected from paint.
  4. You will need to apply a thin coat of epoxy primer. This option is best when it comes in spray form. The spray variation spreads much more accessible and has a decreased drying time. The primer will need 24 hours at a time to dry. This timeline means the entire process should take you about three days. Three coats should be sufficient for the gunstock.ย ย 
  5. Once you have added the primer, you can change the masking tape. The tape needs to be changed to allow for a fresh coating of paint.ย 
  6. Choose an epoxy-based paint and then apply it with a spray gun. You will need approximately two coats. Each of these coats will need 24 hours to dry. This timeline means the whole painting part of the process will take you around two days. A spray gun will help ensure the coat comes out evenly.ย 
  7. The last stage of the painting process involves preserving the finish. Evenly distribute a clear lacquer or automotive clear coat over the finish to help keep it safe for the future. Leave the protective coating to dry for a minimum of three days.
  8. Finally, you can remove the masking tape and put the rifle pieces back together.
Gunsmith overhead image of parts

Best paint for polymer gun stock

Epoxy paints are the best option for your gunstock. This type of paint offers strong adhesion and good mechanical ability. It is a challenging paint that will provide the consumer with durable, chemical resistance in wet and high-humidity environments. Its ability to handle moisture well makes it appropriate for a gunstock often exposed to sweat. Seeing as the gunstock is synthetic, the paint will need to be able to resist corrosion. Make sure to choose an option that is thick in texture. The thick paints will often be able to provide better protection. As you use the gun, it will be less likely to suffer from cracks and dents. The adhesive qualities work well for bonding with an epoxy primer and topcoat. They offer a base for extra undercoat products and topcoats operating as an organic compound.

Painting a rifle stock

Painting a rifle stock is a great way to customize the finish and give it the aesthetic you desire. The process can be achieved using an epoxy-based primer and paint within a few days. Many consumers choose this option when buying a weapon with synthetic gunstock.ย 

How to paint a wood gun stock

  1. You will need to first prepare the gunstock for painting. This process involves adding masking tape to the areas of the gun which are not being painted. Tape only around the edges, and then prime the stock with the epoxy primer you chose. Make sure you spread the epoxy primer evenly and then give it a day to dry.
  2. When you start the painting process, you will need to wait 24 hours for each coat to dry before adding another. To achieve the color you want for the gun, you will often need to combine different colors with each coating.ย 
  3. You can add a protective finish to add some gloss to the stock as you finish painting. Many consumers choose a clear gloss coat.

How to paint a synthetic gun stock with webbing

Webbing is a process that consumers use in alternative to using a spray gun. It is cheaper and more accessible than a spray gun to use a Krylon spray. The nozzle on the Krylon webbing paint is well designed to allow you to generate a pattern. It operates by throwing a tallish-Esque skinny fan pattern. This motion differs from the straight regular spray paint. It is an exciting way to customize your base color.

Best paint for a synthetic rifle stock

Epoxy-based primers and paints.

Painting a synthetic gun stock to look like wood

A synthetic gun can look like wood if you paint it light wood. This color should form your base, and then you can add darker wood coats once the base coat has dried. The final coat will help you achieve the appropriate background shade and grain.

Leave a Reply