While there’s a bunch of threads covering painting weapons, I haven’t seen one on properly painting magazines, so I thought I’d throw this up. I’ve seen a lot of others just spraypaint a magazine without properly taping it up, and the added paint will keep mags from fitting in the magwell properly and will no longer drop free. Painted mags not only draw less attention to the eye but make it easy to identify your mags so others don’t “accidentally” grab them during training. After properly painting them not only will they drop free the top unpainted part will still be pretty easily seen to find them after completing STX lanes and other training where you may drop mags in the brush.
Here’s what you need:
Mags to be painted. I’d recommend prepping them beforehand by inspecting each to make sure they’re serviceable and then give them a good internal cleaning (using hot water and toothbrush).
Spray Paint. I use Aervoe in Coyote. It’s held up well on my AR and blends in well. DSG carries it and offers a decent mil discount.
Tape. I use Frog Tape found at Home Depot as it seals well yet comes off easy. Make sure not to use anything stronger than masking tape as when you peel it off the grey non-reflective finish will come off as well.
Sharpie.
Paint Pen.
Old Socks.
Your AR/Weapon.
Step 1.
Insert mag into weapon, and using sharpie mark on all four corners where mag meets magwell. Leave about 1mm between them.
Step 2.
Using tape, mask off just below sharpie marks, so that they are exposed.
Step 3.
Take old socks and use them to cover the upper part of the mag that’s not covered by tape.
Step 4.
Paint mags. Make sure that can is properly shaken well beforehand and to make quick and even passes to get coverage. Wait about 15-30 and paint other side.
Step 5.
Remove socks and tape.
Step 6. Wait 24 hours for paint to properly cure then use paint pen to number mags
DONE! Other than waiting for paint to dry it’s wicked quick and retarded easy.
How is the durability of the Aervoe?
Yeah, I know- it’s paint, it’s going to wear off eventually.
But how does this stuff hold up to being used and abused, VS others, like the ever popular krylon?
Nice work! I’ve been thinking of painting my GI mags the same color
Here’s another thread about painting magazines- it starts with using stencils to number & identify the mags. It even shows a couple mags rob_s painted bright yellow
Never thought about using socks, I just taped the whole top section off.
I also sanded the grey finish off of mine, then degreased them… Not really necessary, but I figured it’d give the paint a better surface to adhere to, and be a lil more durable. It was more time consuming, but I had nothing better to do at the time! lol
Excellent post, Thanks. I was going to post one just like this today since i was painting Pmags. Of course mine wouldn’t have the almost naked ladies in newsprint only because i don’t have any.
Yeah, posted this on LF.net and got tore up a bit for the trannies on the bottom… sheesh… note to self…
Aervoe holds up awesome, the AR in the pic was painted a year ago (if not longer) and while there’s some wear, not nearly as much as other brands I’ve used. It’s seriously good shit.
