DIY refinishing

[CSeverns]

I‘ve been looking into some DIY refinishing options for a 20 year old SA 1911-A1 that I’ve modified a little (aftermarket trigger, installed flat MSH, full length guide rod, and fitted a beavertail). I’m looking into refinishing the gun myself mostly because of the cost. I’ve tried cold bluing and didn’t really get the results I wanted, plus it didn’t hold up too well over time and I was constantly having to touch it up.

So have any of you guys had better luck with any of the other DIY methods of refinishing like Dura-coat, moly-resin, or brownells Aluma hide? I’ve looked into rust bluing but that seems a little daunting, not to mention, time-consuming. This isn’t exactly a high end pistol but it’s also not some knock around truck gun either. I’m just looking for something close to matte black with maybe a clear coat to protect it. I’m open to all suggestions…

 

[dlbleak]

I used Gun-Kote from either midway or Brownells. It’s one of the baked on finishes. I did the slide on an M&P that had been put in a case that had a drop of water in it or something. It held up pretty well.

 

[TedKennedy]

Rust bluing is the best thing you can do. It's not nearly as hard as it seems, and small parts on a pistol are a cinch. I've done a bunch of it, and the hardest part is getting the parts to rust properly. I have tricks for this, if you are going to do it, PM me and I'd be happy to share what I've learned.

 

[JEVapa]

You can parkerize it too. There are a bunch of videos on it and it’s pretty simple.

 

[Catt57]

I‘ve been looking into some DIY refinishing options for a 20 year old SA 1911-A1 that I’ve modified a little (aftermarket trigger, installed flat MSH, full length guide rod, and fitted a beavertail). I’m looking into refinishing the gun myself mostly because of the cost. I’ve tried cold bluing and didn’t really get the results I wanted, plus it didn’t hold up too well over time and I was constantly having to touch it up.

So have any of you guys had better luck with any of the other DIY methods of refinishing like Dura-coat, moly-resin, or brownells Aluma hide? I’ve looked into rust bluing but that seems a little daunting, not to mention, time-consuming. This isn’t exactly a high end pistol but it’s also not some knock around truck gun either. I’m just looking for something close to matte black with maybe a clear coat to protect it. I’m open to all suggestions…

If you want to learn bluing and have multiple options, I highly recommend getting a copy of this book. It can usually be found on eBay for around $20-$35 for a reference copy.

Catt57's books - Phenomenal reference book - Gunsmithing by Roy F. Dunlap 1950. (Warning: 50 full size photos)

This is going to be multiple posts with lots and lots and lots of pics. The pics are just a sample of the info available in this book. I have only spent about 20 minutes looking though it and the amount of info it contains is almost overwhelming. I have taken copious pictures to try to share...

www.okshooters.com

This one also has a lot of old school bluing recipes and can also be found on eBay in the $20-$40 price range.

Catt57's books - Clyde Baker's Modern Gunsmithing (Revised by John Traister)

www.okshooters.com

 

[Cdubya]

I have had really good results with duracoat and an air brush.
I like how thin the material is.
Their combat black provides a good uniform matte black finish.
They do have a clear coat but IMO it's a bit trickier to get a uniform finish as your stroke of the gun seems to affect the finish if you aren't consistent.
A little goes a long way.

 

[zipty6]

Rust bluing is the best thing you can do. It's not nearly as hard as it seems, and small parts on a pistol are a cinch. I've done a bunch of it, and the hardest part is getting the parts to rust properly. I have tricks for this, if you are going to do it, PM me and I'd be happy to share what I've learned.

I second this. Rust blue really isn't difficult. Just pay attention to what you're doing and it will turn out nicely.