Paint Recommendation FDE

[gbw]

I want to paint an AR - it has the standard flat black anodizing on the alloy parts, Magpul FDE stock, grip, trigger guard.

I want to paint upper, lower, & shroud a matching FDE.

What brand/type of paint, and what shade do you recommend? Probably not interested in cera-cote or other baked finishes, unless it’s simple. My experience is they don’t seem that much better than carefully done, quality paint.

Thanks
Gbw

 

[badkarmamib]

Brownell's AlumHyde is touted as the closest match and the most durable. I have used Rustoleum, and it is neither.

 

[Varminterror]

My experience is they don’t seem that much better than carefully done, quality paint.

I’ll say this flat out - if you really believe this, then you must not have experienced properly applied cerakote. Aesthetics are one thing, durability is another, as is solvent resistance, as is UV stability. I’ve never found any air cured paint which was remotely as durable and resistant as cerakote.

Aluma-Hyde is good stuff, and many guys are happy with rattle-can paint jobs. But it’s a fantasy to think these keep pace with a properly applied cerakote.