Hydro Dipping an AR?

[Cbrs]

I want to hydro dip my S&W 15-22 but have no experience with this type of painting. Does anyone have an tips or suggestions? I plan to practice on some cheap items before i do the actual rifle, but thought i would ask for some suggestions here before I started down this path.

 

[71silverbullet]

I would suggest you tube videos. There are many on this subject on there. I've watched several of them but never have given it a try. I always end up sending them out for cerakote.
Let us know how it goes, i wouldn't mind trying it on some mags or something like that of less value.

 

[Cbrs]

Thanks, I've watched several YouTube videos some are informative, some not so much. I've seen guys use a bunch of different techniques such as rolling the item, dipping at an angle or, doing multiple dips such. My main concer is with the quad rails and having the image get distorted or stretched when its applied.

 

[71silverbullet]

Personally I wouldn't do a quad. Most of it will usually be covered up with rail covers, optics, or light. I would just do the upper and lower, maybe the stock.

 

[Cbrs]

So I have the kit and have practiced dipping some items that don't matter and can't get the graphic to stick. Anyone have suggestions? I've used the least amount of activator spray possible and have followed all other directions that came in the kit.

 

[Hookeye]

How did you clean the item and what is your basecoat?

 

[Cbrs]

I used an automotive de-greaser then then the supplied primer and base coat that came with the kit.

 

[CHCRandy]

Are you by chance using dip wizard? I used that on an AR with no problems...but I didn't dip nothing but the furniture.

 

[Cbrs]

Here are the results so far. It still needs a bit of touch up, but for my first attempt I am happy with the result. I was able to get it to work by using the absolute minimum amount of activator possible. I also elevated the water temp to 85- 90 degrees when dipping, which seemed to help as well.

 

[71silverbullet]

I like that. What did you use for your white base coat?
I have been wanting one done in Multicam.
Let us know how it holds up.

 

[Tyler-The-Piker]

looks good OP. I like coloring my rifles too

 

[Cbrs]

I'm not sure what type of paint was included in the rattle can, but I bought an entire kit from MyDipkit.com which ran about $65. It included everything needed from start to finish. Primer, base coat, semi gloss, finish, etc.

I've read that automotive etch primer works well as a good base coat though.