Special coating/air brushing/metal finishing services
 

Does anyone know any services in the GTA that perform special coating/sand blasting/air brushing/metal finishing? Im looking for a place that can seal the frame of my gun so it doesnt oxidize since I sanded it. Thanks

You can do it yourself with some Krylon clear coat.

Either Diamond finish (if you want a glossy, mirror-like) or super flat (if you want a silver finish).

Cost about 8$ a can. Take your time because the stuff is thick. But you can do it properly. If you are going for the shiny finish, take some 400 wet'n'dry with water to buff the surface between each coat. Helps smoothing it out and prevents from having some ugly uneven spots.

I tried, using gloss coat spray paint, both Krylon, and Testors.. also tried airbrushing, but the finish for both isn't good and the paint can peel easily especially with places that are constantly rubbed/in contact. I sanded it already with grids as high as 2000 with/without water... i also used an aluminum polish, but its only a temporary solution as it starts to oxidize in a few days.

So, im looking for some professional services that can somehow permanently seal the frame so it remains shiny.

Is it a high quality CNC frame?

If so, you can have it chrome anodized. It will stay shiny forever. If it is a stock or pot metal frame, there is nothing you can do. Any more permanent finish will eat through the material (soft parts).

Where can you get it chrome anodized? BTW, its a standard TM 5.1 frame that was originally black, and now its a mirror finish.. im not sure if the original frame is CNC

If it's the original frame, it will be impossible to get any type of surface treatment applied to it. If you attempted it, you'll end up pulling maybe a small remaining sliver of metal out of the acid bath (if anything were left at all.)

The original frame is NOT machined material. It is die-casted. Being "CNC Machined" says very little about the quality/composition/durability of the material. It is simply a process to create a shaped object in a controlled production. Generally, CNC machining is used for batch produced items to keep per unit costs low. All it is, is computer controlled machining. Hand machining isn't far off.

Die-casting is a completely different process altogether, utilizing injection moulding that doesn't give you the sharp, smooth and crisp machining lines that full milling is capable of. On a per unit cost, it gives a very cheap product, and is why it's generally used in toys. The disadvantage is a lower wear cycle (versus billet aluminum), a porous material (breaks easier), and is extremely susceptible to the environment (wear, erosion, etc.)

If you want to protect the surface from oxidation, then spray an acrylic enamel on it to protect it, but be aware that it will leave behind a sheen AND will wear off over time. You'll have to re-apply the coating after several cycles of use. Be sure to protect all areas that must maintain a dimensional tolerance, such as all areas where the slide contacts.

It's been said many times on this forum: Polishing your TM die-cast metal will give you all the "oohs" and "ahs" the moment it's completed, but the days and months following, with dull grey surfaces caused by the pitting of oxidation will undeniably leave a regrettable taste in your mouth. In the end, the same thing happens to every single part that gets this treatment of bling-destruction... it ends up in the trash or gets sold for incredibly low prices just so you can get rid of it put the funds towards a new (and silver from the factory) part.

If you want silver, buy it as silver.

DURACOAT

http://www.lauerweaponry.com

All you need is an airbrush set.

This stuff keeps your gunz from rusting, gives them a nice protective surface.

Thanks, I just ordered this from the store and got a discount too. I will tell you the results.. hope it works..

+1 to DuraCoat, I've used it on several projects in the past and I've had nothing but great results. Just a word to the wise, preparation preparation preparation!

What kind of preparation did you do? I bought the kit with the airbrush... I know u need to degrease it

Degrease, sandblast then degrease again. After you're done spraying, leave everything for a week before assembling, leave another week before using.

The kit that i bought said it comes with a Aerosol TruStrip, is that the degreaser? Also, is sandblasting really a must? I dont have equipment for that

Yeah that's the degreaser.

Put it this way, the better you prepare your surface the better your finish.

My first attempt was OK, I didn't sandblast so I don't know how well the coating will last when I start running the shotgun through alot of heavy loads.

You are using for airsoft so you'll be fine unless your dipping your gun in salt water or something.

Anything else you would use beside degreaser? Do I have to sand the surface so its a bit coarse to help the paint adhere or can i leave it as a mirror finish?

ILLusion, even though i knew the materials in your post can i just congratulate you on that short-n-sweet post, anyone looking in the future will get a great answer, even if the OP didn't even aknowledge your carefully worded reply.