Hello. I have a new DDM4 V7 on the way, and I’d like to paint the hand guard a shade of flat dark earth. What kind of paint do you guys use? Is it anything special, or just spray paint? Thanks in advance.
I read a thread over on Lightfighter.net on this topic. The OP suggested the use of Aervoe camo paint. I have no experience on this whatsoever but if I were to attempt it (probably soon) I would go on the advise from this particular thread over on Lightfighter.
Aervoe is here…
http://www.paintcamo.com/store/home.php
Why don’t you use the search button? Then you will find numerous info about painting, prepping, etc…
I used Coyote Aluma-hyde, color is almost spot-on…but durability seems to be “meh”…we’ll see how it hold up, but I’m not 100% sold on it yet.
I have used krylon before. It is not super duper paint but it does get the job done, but I am guess you are looking for something more permanent and durable.
I think you will like your rifle. I got my v7 in january and love it.
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=51105&highlight=Paint+weapons
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=61609&highlight=Paint+weapons
Hit it with a little Aervoe and change it when you see fit. Their colors are true to spec while Krylon’s are more of their own interpretation.
I wouldn’t bother with any of the coatings unless you’re having it dipped.
Thanks for all the useful information. I had originally pulled a search, and read the military article, but didn’t make it down far enough. After reading the first 10-15 posts, I thought it was just talking about military painting issues. Thanks.
I guess another question to ask would be who could I send the rail to if I wanted it to look good and be more of a factory type finish? Not that I’ll necessarily do it, but it’s nice to consider all options.
The other day, there was a thread here talking about paint, and Aervoe was mentioned. It took some searching to find it and find it in the right colors, but I ordered a couple of cans to try out. At this point, I only intend on using them on mags.
I photograph everything, so this should probably be a thread killer. Oh well. I had a hard time getting the color of the Foliage Green cap to come out correctly. Looks much better in person.
OD on the left Foliage Green on the right.
Yes, it’s pretty easy to get off. It’s more durable than Krylon, but Acetone will take it right off.
DSG Arms has an awesome selection for cheap. There’s another sight called camopaint.com, or something like that with a massive selection and kits, but it’s more expensive.
Paintcamo.com and its the Aervoe site. You were close! 
Ive painted my ar before. It doesn’t last but you can easily touch up spots. I eventually had the whole gun cerakoted and happy with it.
There’s a corresponding thread on LF about paint removal; classic yin/yang stuff.
Bottom line, any paint you put on, regardless of brand, will take some elbow grease to take off but they all come off.
I have used a combination of AlumaHyde II, Aervoe and Krylon. My paint job must be holding up pretty good because it is going on 3 years with an occasional touch up. One thing that I have noticed is that FrogLube is friendly towards paint and doesn’t seem to bother it.