Thanks, that helps a bit. But I was really wondering if there was a specific color you like for your gunmetal (when going for a steel/tactical look). I hate spending for a whole can, only to spray it for a sec and realize the color isn't right. So, anything specific in the Rustoleum professional that you reach for more often?
I've started doing some Nerf painting on a small scale. Just for myself, not to sell. I'll post pics when they're done. (Soon I hope. I've got several that are at the stage where they're ready for dry brushing).
One thing I've done that I find many nerf repainters don't, is I took the time to sand off all of the nerf logos and fill in all of the screw holes. I just think the overall look is much cleaner and more realistic that way.
Then again, it was a much bigger pain in the butt than I expected and I understand now why many folks skip that step. : )
I don't have an airbrush setup so it's all cans, rags and brushes for me.
As for cans, I recently tracked down some Krylon Fusion flat black. But I'm disappointed in it. It may stick well to plastic (we'll see) but I don't like the way it sprays. It sprays with a flat-ish stream and goes on too thick (or too thin) unless you're the exact right distance away. And it's hard to get it into the nooks and crannies without overspraying and creating drips.
Regular Rustoleum sprays in more of a cone-shaped stream like a traditional can, so I find it good for getting into hard to reach areas of the gun. (I'm lazy and don't always disassemble the gun before spraying).
I really like Duplicolor flat black primer (from the auto parts store). It also has a flat-style stream but much smoother than the Krylon Fusion, and seems to stick pretty well because it's primer.
One tip you're probably already aware of that I picked up from a friend:
For a black powder-coated look (like the barrel or other metal parts of a tactical gun), simply spray flat black, let it dry completely and then buff with a rag. The buffing will give it just a hint of a shine (though still way flatter than something like a satin black) and will look very similar to a real powder coat. (your results may vary depending on the paint used).
- J
No problem! I use about 6 different flat and satin blacks depending on what's going on top. For the steel or silver colors I usually use rustolium professional in the taller silver cans. I do have a airspray gun, but I've found I can lay just as clean a base with the cans so I avoid the cleanup
Hope that helps. Sounds like you're a painter too!
