Over the past couple of months I’ve done up a few firearms for myself or customers using either Duracoat or Armacoat products and while this isn’t going to be an in-depth review of the products, I thought I’d aware some observations and thoughts. Keep in mind that I’m really bored right now as I’m currently in the hospital awaiting surgery and all I have with me is my phone. Let’s face it, solitaire only entertains a guy for so long.
First, let’s talk Duracoat. It is widely available in the USA, but almost impossible to get in Canada unless you bring it in personally. I was lucky enough to have family bring a couple of colors back from a trip across the 49th. The colors customers ordered were teal and turquoise. The colors did not disappoint. What I did find a little different is the Duracoat itself. While both products I’m talking about require hardener, Duracoat recommends a 12:1 ratio while Armacoat recommends more with a 8:1 ratio recommended.
Application is done with an HVLP gun or an airbrush, but in my experience the Duracoat requires a reducer to apply without texture. Also it dries faster than Armacoat and doesn’t require baking. That is good and bad. Good: it doesn’t require this step, Bad: it takes longer to fully cure. If you’re patient, the results are very good as you can see on this ladies Jericho 941.
I also did the accents on this Ruger 10/22 for another young lady.
Armacoat, on the other hand, is readily available in Canada, and the cost is very comparable. The biggest downside is that the color selection is a bit limited. The upside is the colors they have in stock are popular and well done. Armacoat can be baked if required and it makes the cure process much faster. Both products seem to wear very well and if the surface is prepped properly, it adheres very well. I’ve done a few firearms in Magpul FDE, as well as Dark Earth (think Knights Armament) and Matte Black. I like the way Armacoat feels, looks and applies better than Duracoat, but I love the color selection tonight that Duracoat offers. Here are a few images of Armacoat results.
Also, I’ve done a couple sidearm with the same Magpul FDE.
The latest project I did was for myself to turn a very pink Smith and Wesson M&P 15-22 into something a little more manly. This was done in Matte Black and Dark Earth.
Both firearm finishes are great, but I personally vote for the Armacoat as it can be baked to speed the cure process and coating the firearm was a little less trouble.
If you have any questions, requests or feedback, please drop a comment below.