I want to paint the gas tube in my AR so it's not sticking out so bad. is there something out there that will not burn off like bbq grill paint? or maybe some kind of hi temp wrap that will not burn off. i have heard about cerakote, but I do not know if that will stand up to this much heat. or how bad it is to apply. something that just popped into my head is powder coat. i know that takes a certain amount of heat for it to cure. but I think that a gas tube will get hotter than what it takes to cure it.
AR15 gas tube paint??
- Thread starter x_wrench
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If you shoot your AR much at all, the paint will simply burn off. Let me add that the burn off will occur close to the gas block. I did paint a gas tube or two while painting the AR with rattle cans but I never paid attention to how well it held up. Try it & see what happens. If you don't like how it turns out, spray paint is easy enough to remove from your gas tube.
Someone does make a black nitrided gas tube.
Someone does make a black nitrided gas tube.
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BigBlue 94
Member
VHT Flameproof exhaust paint will likely hold up for quite a while. Its good to 1400°F. You can find it at the auto parts stores. You will want to get it moderately hot to cure, then let it cool. Say 20 rounds at a moderate pace.
GBExpat
Member
If you are simply seeking to change it from silver to black, you could always just replace it with a nitrided gas pipe. 
gpb
Member
I agree with GBExpat. When I assembled my AR, to avoid the stainless look, I installed a nitrided gas tube. It looks and works fine and only added a few dollars to the cost.
Any of their high temp paints, Caliper paint
Some need to be cured, others do not.
https://www.vhtpaint.com/high-heat;jsessionid=068452F3E23F096A07C89E881FEF64B1
BigBlue 94
Member
The engine enamels and caliper paints are rated at 500 and 900° respectively. The flame proof is rated to 2000°. Gas tubes can get cherry red, which is in the 1300° range, give or take a couple 100°.
The lesser heat ranges would likely work in a civilian semi-auto situation, but I would personally go with the highest rating.
BreechFace
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If you are simply seeking to change it from silver to black, you could always just replace it with a nitrided gas pipe.
Yup, as cheap as a can of high temp spray.
Thanks, I didn't even know that a nitrated gas tube was available. heck, I guess I don't even know what nitrating is. but I have to believe it makes the tube permanently black. which sounds like that is the way I will go. I'm not a big fan of burning paint smell. and I'm sure it doesn't help lung tissue.
greyling22
Member
Nitriding is basically the Glock handgun finish. It's black, it's hard, it's a great finish.
MachIVshooter
Member
Yup. It's not good for things that will be handled, rubbed on, etc. like suppressors, but a gas tube is protected.
I've used it on exhaust manifolds, downpipes, catalytic converters.
M-Forgery
Member
If you are simply seeking to change it from silver to black, you could always just replace it with a nitrided gas pipe.
Just what I was going to suggest. I use nitrided gas tube when a replacement becomes necessary.
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