Utah Guns Forum banner

Teflon vs. DuraCoat finishes

3132 Views 10 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  Strategic Tactical
2
Teflon coatings are great. They come in a wide range of colors that can be used as is or combined to make just the right shade. The Teflon adds a friction resistant layer that I find best used on the inside of the gun. I think it is a fantastic addition to slide rails. Use a little Teflon based lubrication, like Rem Oil, and your semi auto has the best lube combination it will ever get. However that is where it should be left, on the inside.
While I was with the Dept. of Energy we used quite a bit of it. It never lasts long on the exterior of a gun. After curing time and releasing the gun into service, the finish was gone from the hard edges of pistols after a week of training. Not exactly worth the money.
Teflon coatings must be baked on. The temperature is critical. Too little heat and the finish won’t cure; too much heat and it not only makes the finish brittle but it will darken the color. You really won’t end up with what you thought you would. Since it must be baked on, Teflon coatings can not be used on aluminum parts.
I decided to do some research into other products and conducted a test to find out what works longest. I preferred DuraCoat, a product of Lauer Custom Weaponry. There is still the a wide variety of colors with the ability to mix for just the right highlight or shadow color. The added bonus is it doesn’t have to be baked on. It can be applied it to synthetic stocks, aluminum receivers, lens caps, bi-pods, and even wooden stocks.



Now I don’t intend for you to take my word alone about the finished product. Take a look at these pictures of the last civilian rifle I used DuraCoat on and draw your own conclusions.

I realize that the pattern shown isn’t a tactical pattern. That much detail isn’t necessary for S.W.A.T. application much less the “average Joe“. (I would however do so on a varmint rifle). True tactical camo is only meant to break up the lines of the rifle. For instance, blend a piece to the pattern through the trigger, part of the bolt and across the scope. Those three parts then become one piece of shadow or contrast instead of being three distinct parts. In poor lighting or at a distance, good camo will confuse depth perception making it appear as though it isn’t a rifle. Such patterns are best done without extensive use of stencils. You may use a stencil for basic shape but the edges will be frosted with a darker shadow or a lighter contrast color. This means most of the work must still be done by hand. Just like a good magician you are creating an illusion by using a form of slight of hand.
I’m excited to announce that I’ve been contacted to camouflage three proto type rifles for next year’s Shot Show by a major firearm manufacturer. I hope to be able to show you some pictures after the Shot Show as well as reveal the manufacturer.
See less See more
1 - 5 of 11 Posts
Strategic Tactical said:
Ok, I met with "Howlingwolfarms" Last night. VERY Impressed with this guy. This was after speaking with him for about 5-10 minutes at a CFP class we were conducting. Just my opinion.
Im honored. Thank you!
Eukatae said:
I have wanted to duracote 4 of my rifles in a nice multicam. I fear I lack the skill with paint to do it.
Let me know what you are looking for in a multicam. We can work something out if you still want it done.
Yes, I can do that pattern. What I need is a picture large enough to print off and make stencils from. I'll start researching it and if you find one in the mean time let me know. We can get this done.
1 - 5 of 11 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top