painting mags

[m4lover]

So i was thinking of painting my AR steel GI mags black with some metal paint. would this have any effect on the operation/make it sticky and not work as well?
If so are there any alternatives to just some hardware store paint? If not are there any techniques/tricks you would suggest? thanks!

 

[87iroc]

I would think you'd want to paint the and then maybe bake them before using them...or at least let htem dry for a couple weeks. I've never seen paint stick very well to steel...so not sure how durable its going ot be for you.

I believe AR mags are pretty easy to take apart...but I never have done it. Might be good to take the spring and follower out before painting them.

Oh, and welcome

 

[wabash]

this might be worth reading: Army issues instructions for painting M16s, M4s | Article | The United States Army

the pdf linked the bottom af the article should have details

 

[SmokinSigs357]

I've painted plenty of mags with no issues. Make sure to take them apart, degrease the heck out of them, and paint them when dry.

Nice thing is that the local hardware stores carry the krylon military colors now in both plastic and metal offerings.

 

[chuddly]

I've never seen paint stick very well to steel...so not sure how durable its going ot be for you.

Maybe you have never seen a car before??? In case you didnt know cars are made of steel and the paint holds on there just fine for years at high speeds as well.

To the OP.....Best thing to remember when painting a mag is that more is not better. nice light coats and let it fully dry before you use it.

 

[zoglog]

I used truck bed liner.
https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/accessories_and_gear/60631-refinishing_ar_mags.html

I later found out that while the mags fit into my M&P lower. The DPMS lower was much tighter. So for the rest I taped off the top and left it unpainted.

It added a nice texture and still looks new today.

 

[ol' poke]

I have a couple of mags for my mini-14 that accumulated some light rust from long-term storage. I put a wire brush to them to remove the rust, then "Rust-o-leum"-ed them black. Let 'em dry thoroughly, then fire away!

ol' poke

 

[savage308]

I use rustoleum camo paint. I tape the top part of the mag where it is to go into the receiver. Not sure if it makes a difference or not but I was afraid of the paint making it harder to install/remove the mag. Mine have held up really well.