I paint my sights using hi vis enamel paint, then go over with glow in the dark paint and finally hard coat clear nail polish--problem-- when cleaning the pistols the solvents disolve the paint on the sights- and some holsters also remove the new paint- am i building up too much paint? any suggestions, products etc that would eliminate these concerns- thanks Paul
painted pistol sights
- Thread starter pvf
- Start date
- Status
Thedub88
Member
I just use white nail polish then clear over it. I never had a problem. Then again I only have paint on the front sight. I use a little hoppes for the breach face, and very little clp to wipe off the muzzel blast. I think the key is to not get any solvent on the paint
thanks for your input. i think i get too carried away when cleaning.
i am waiting for replys from two chemical companies regarding my search for a protective tuflon coating that can be used over painted sights -be abrasive and chemical resistant as well as transparent. I also wonder if tuflon and be mixed into the paint. I'll post the findings as i'm on a mission to figure this out---- Paul
i am waiting for replys from two chemical companies regarding my search for a protective tuflon coating that can be used over painted sights -be abrasive and chemical resistant as well as transparent. I also wonder if tuflon and be mixed into the paint. I'll post the findings as i'm on a mission to figure this out---- Paul
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
I use White Porcelain Appliance touch-up paint.
It seems to be very resistant to chemical attack.
I also have very good luck with Testers Model Enamel.
As for glow-in-the-dark paint?
My experience with it is very limited.
All I have tried in the past had to be "charged up" with exposure to light to do anything.
And a gun don't see much light inside my holster or pocket.
rc
It seems to be very resistant to chemical attack.
I also have very good luck with Testers Model Enamel.
As for glow-in-the-dark paint?
My experience with it is very limited.
All I have tried in the past had to be "charged up" with exposure to light to do anything.
And a gun don't see much light inside my holster or pocket.
rc
thanks for the info- i'm on my way to an appliance store and hardwa
re store to try and find the pait u recommend-again thanks--
I'm really glad i found The hIGHROAD org. as it has proved to be helpful and enjoy writing/ reading from like minded indivuals Paul
re store to try and find the pait u recommend-again thanks--I'm really glad i found The hIGHROAD org. as it has proved to be helpful and enjoy writing/ reading from like minded indivuals Paul
Strykervet
member
- Joined
- Nov 16, 2010
- Messages
- 1,610
I can attest that an oil based paint marker (the one I have is called "Uni Paint") will work. We used them to mark screws on scope mounts for when they had to be taken on and off in the field. It held up pretty well as long as the surface was cleaned REALLY well. Acetone works well, but lots of other stuff will too.
I have some on a .22 revolver, it has been on there for years. Granted it doesn't get used much, but lasting ten years for just a paint marker ain't bad.
Likely the combo you are using, the three different paints? They don't bond to each other and so you have a weak layer that compromises the whole thing. Artists have the same problem with paintings sometimes, especially restorations.
Testors will come off too easy. I know, I've used it before. But the other fellow on here said it works for him, so I suspect it depends on which solvents you use to clean. Normally solvents will remove it much easier than if you just use CLP for everything. I expected the paint marker to come off too, but it held up pretty well. An epoxy based paint will work best though. An auto body shop might be a good place... If they are painting a red car, all you need is one drop. I'd let you do it if it were me (because I doubt it happens often, if ever).
I've seen the glow in the dark paint, I even bought a vial of it way back when. It didn't hold up well at all, didn't glow either. Useless. If you really need glowing sights, you can't beat tritium. I have them on almost all my pistols.
If you have a pistol that they don't sell tritium sights for, you can get the sights drilled and have the tritium installed. Can't recall who does this, I inquired years ago looking to get it done to a Beretta. The cost really wasn't much different from just getting a set of sights either.
I have some on a .22 revolver, it has been on there for years. Granted it doesn't get used much, but lasting ten years for just a paint marker ain't bad.
Likely the combo you are using, the three different paints? They don't bond to each other and so you have a weak layer that compromises the whole thing. Artists have the same problem with paintings sometimes, especially restorations.
Testors will come off too easy. I know, I've used it before. But the other fellow on here said it works for him, so I suspect it depends on which solvents you use to clean. Normally solvents will remove it much easier than if you just use CLP for everything. I expected the paint marker to come off too, but it held up pretty well. An epoxy based paint will work best though. An auto body shop might be a good place... If they are painting a red car, all you need is one drop. I'd let you do it if it were me (because I doubt it happens often, if ever).
I've seen the glow in the dark paint, I even bought a vial of it way back when. It didn't hold up well at all, didn't glow either. Useless. If you really need glowing sights, you can't beat tritium. I have them on almost all my pistols.
If you have a pistol that they don't sell tritium sights for, you can get the sights drilled and have the tritium installed. Can't recall who does this, I inquired years ago looking to get it done to a Beretta. The cost really wasn't much different from just getting a set of sights either.
Thanks for the helpful info. I have used testors and it did come off. I use CLR for cleaning.
You are right on regarding mixing various paints and not bonding, the glow in the dark paint i used over Testors or Kylon just peeled off even though i had hard clear nailpolish over as a protective coating. Same opinion for the glow in the dark paint-- flashlight is the way to go
-- had trition sights on all my pistols but the time line for usefulness has expired. Trying to save a few bucks by attempting a do it yourself project- apparently i'm not to good at this so i might have to make the investment on my carry pistols.
I have purchased the porcilian appliance paint that another poster recommended but have not had the timee to apply. Makes sense though.
I like the idea of auto paint. when i return to my chicago home i think i have some white touch up paint for the Porsche that i once owned- might have some red to for an old mercedes. ahh those were good days
again thanks for the helpful advice and have a terrific thanksgiving--Paul
You are right on regarding mixing various paints and not bonding, the glow in the dark paint i used over Testors or Kylon just peeled off even though i had hard clear nailpolish over as a protective coating. Same opinion for the glow in the dark paint-- flashlight is the way to go
-- had trition sights on all my pistols but the time line for usefulness has expired. Trying to save a few bucks by attempting a do it yourself project- apparently i'm not to good at this so i might have to make the investment on my carry pistols.
I have purchased the porcilian appliance paint that another poster recommended but have not had the timee to apply. Makes sense though.
I like the idea of auto paint. when i return to my chicago home i think i have some white touch up paint for the Porsche that i once owned- might have some red to for an old mercedes. ahh those were good days
again thanks for the helpful advice and have a terrific thanksgiving--Paul
Myles
Member
I've always used nail polish, or for recessed dot sights - fill with brightly colored crayon.
Rail Driver
Member
My front sight has a little divot that probably used to have white paint in it... Now it's got neon yellow nail polish in it with a clear coat of "Sally Hanses" Double Duty Base and Top Coat. I have to re-do it about 1 in 10 cleanings.
beatledog7
Member
I use a dot of wite-out correction fluid. Wears off over time, and will not stand up to solvents, but it's already on hand and is easy to apply/reapply.
I have been using fishing jig paint, a coat of white, then neon green. Stuff is very thick, I usually just let a small drop off the end of a tooth pick, then smooth. Sticks great on serrated sights, but have also used on the bead on a front rifle sight and it holds up well.
fishing jig paint sounds good too-- now i have so many great ideas from all u guys that i'm playing with all the ideas except the tritium purchase as i had them before and they wore out anyway. plus i am finding that by doing my own painting, i can make the front sight drop larger ( high vis orange) and am playing around outlineing the rear sight in white and at my age the front sight picture is popping out much better-- happy Marine Birthday to all my fellow Marines and to all service men and women a thankful Veterans Day
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked
