The Pros and Cons of Painting your AR

AR/M4 AR General Discussion
1

So we don’t muck up the pic thread I thought I’d start a thread to debate the merits of painting your AR in a camo or other scheme.

I don’t paint mine. I’ve been tempted. But I have a checkered history of trading off what I own for something else and I think rattle-canning your AR is a good way to 100% devalue it unless you have it professionally done.

Having said that, I do own a Colt LE6920 that has a complete Vietnam tiger stripe camo job from the factory. I consider that a keeper and would be my contribution to the “just have to have a camo AR” club.

So, what do you think?

To paint or not to paint?

2

I think if it’s what you’re into then blast it. If not then don’t. Easy as that. With how synonymous firearms are with freedom you’d think gun dudes wouldn’t care about someone’s freedom of choice to blast their expensive rifle with a $4 can of krylon.

Plus it looks dope.

3

I’ve been tempted but I don’t paint mine. Between resale of parts, getting bored of camo patterns, and the fact no matter how hard I try to like various color combinations, anything other than a mainly black AR still just feels “wrong” to me. I’ve seen some really nice painted rifles I wouldn’t mind owning, but I just can’t bring myself to do it.

4

My primary AR is painted for protection from the elements, and to blend in. I do hunt with it. Makes it not stand out so much too, when I’ve got it with me outside, on the property.

Simple Krylon, no fancy pattern. It can all be easily removed with brake cleaner if neef be.

5

I had always wanted to paint mine but seems like painting them was going out of fashion. When I had my lower engraved some of the anodizing chipped off so I sprayed it while it was apart. Sprayed a little more as I was assembling it but then added some more parts that are not painted. Kind of half and half.

I think it looks cool for what that’s worth, functionality it doesn’t matter if it was black or not.

Forget who but someone on this board had one they painted like a chocolate brown that looked pretty cool. Also Kilo-1 I think it is has one that he painted and has seen a lot of use so it looks good and worn in.

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6

List of disadvantages to painting:

7

Krylon is way easier to get off then rustoleum. Gives you freedom to be creative.

8

For me it depends on the weapon. Ones that might only see a square range once in a while, my daughter’s AR, or my old pre-ban Colt, these are all still black. All the ones I use and abuse are painted.

9

Pappabear has a few painted guns. I have one, and had one before that. Never had any regrets for doing it. Tan camo guns are way better in the hot ass desert.

I probably ought to rattle another gun or two.

10

I once painted a “raw” aluminum 1911 flat trigger black.

11

Agreed! The difference between an all black AR of some sort and one painted a tan-ish color is significant when you are out in the sun.

12

If I don’t paint a gun it’s because I am too lazy to do so. My stuff is my stuff. F “resale” value.

It ain’t comic books. I don’t trust people who don’t have brass marks, nicks, or scratches on their stuff

13

True that. But unless you’re a bona fide operator in the sandbox a camo’ed AR just screams “militia ninja” like punisher skulls or zombie themed gear or something. IMHO.

14

I have no problem painting rifles and I could not care less about resale value. I can count on one hand how many guns I’ve sold or traded off.

15

Resale value is about the only con I think of.

It’s kind of funny because I have access to all the cerakote I want, but I personally prefer rattle canning my rifles.

16

Krylon the shit, when it wears it looks good too.

You don’t like anymore, remove it.

Cerakote is more involved in every way and the finish never seems to be truly flat in color.

17

Or…or maybe I just want to break up my outline while hunting or I want a gun where folks go “yep, that’s ol’ Buddy’s”

I agree on punisher skulls and zombie stuff. Luckily I just run some earthtones on it and just think black is boring for something I’m gonna mess with since I bought it and all

18

I can see it being a problem with policy, which of course won’t apply to everyone obviously.

Resale matters to a degree. If you’re always swapping out parts/scopes/rails etc, selling the old stuff to fund new stuff may take a hit. I paid a f*ton of money for a Z8i, and I’m not willing to rattle can it. If I had to take it overseas or if the Canadians invaded, then that’s another story. :wink:

19

#fireforeffect

I mean, sure if they just rattle-canned something like an AI-AW or SR25 and are NOT shooting dirt farmers or anticipating a time-now SHTF event, someone should find something blunt and hurt them with it… But at the same time I’m probably going to care about what possessed them to do that for less time than it took me to type this.
It’s your money-use it how you want.

Or…hear me out for a second…what if the paint allows the nicks and scratches to become more visible, and therefore a greater indicator of skill???

;):dance3:

Personally I don’t paint real guns. Cost to much to get them and I am a’feared of the value-related consequences if I screw it up. Regular use scratches and scuffs, meh, whatev. Price of acquiring skillz with the things.

20

  1. Free country.

  2. Your stuff.

  3. Do what you want.

Folks in general, with camo AR’s who aren’t using them for hunting or other reasons requiring camo look mall ninja/OAF (IMO see point 1)

  1. I prefer a dull/flat finish all one color, generally FDE.

  2. If you have a camo AR and you haven’t dealt with the shadow and shine areas on your face and hands, or are wearing a short-sleeved shirt, you aren’t truly operating.