How To Paint A Gun (Easy DIY For Rifles, Pistols & Shotguns)

Applying a new finish to your gun is a common do-it-yourself project many gun owners enjoy. It sounds complex, but it’s possible to use modern spray paints to make your pistol look as good as new. 

Some gun owners prefer to disassemble the gun first and paint individual rifle pieces, but you can also paint your gun whole without disassembling it.  

Legally, you can paint your pistol any color you like, provided you do not damage or hide its serial number. 

Be sure to follow the gun laws in your area. For example, in most states, it's not illegal to repaint your pistol frame. But in New Jersey, for example, you must acquire a DEP environmental permit and be a registered license holder and gunsmith before spray-painting your gun. 

Spray paints are the best to use when repainting your gun. They don’t require any complex equipment. Plus, there’s limited contact between your skin and the actual paint. Note that most techniques like hot bluing are hazardous, as they can expose you to dangerous chemicals. 

Spray paints come in a wide array of colors that you can use individually or blend together. Most spray paints have protective anti-corrosive features that keep gunmetal from rusting. 

Spray-on paints are the standard for for painting guns like the AR15. They are less expensive and excellent for working guns that get plenty of use in the field.  

There are so many styles to choose from when deciding how to paint a handgun. Some prefer a solid single layer of color, while others prefer mixing different paints and colors to make elaborate patterns. Some other reasons gun owners want to paint their guns are as follows: 

Painting your gun is an intricate process. If you want to be successful at it, you must follow the steps in our guide to a T. 

Start by disassembling your gun and sanding the parts you want to paint. Then, thoroughly clean the individual components with an aerosol degreasing agent. 

You’ve probably owned and operated your rifle, pistol, or shotgun for some time now, and you want to make sure it won’t be damaged by the painting process. Below are some more necessary steps you should take before painting your gun. 

Essential protective tools you will need to undertake a successful paint job include a spray gun, face shield or protective glasses, gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt. 

Some of the supplies you may need include an aerosol degreasing agent, sandpaper, 120-grit aluminum oxide blasting media for sandblasting, spray paint, lint-free cloth for wiping the excess, and cardboard to lay the gun parts after disassembling, etc. 

Metal paint is the best type of paint for guns. Some paint types need to air-dry, while others require baking in a toaster oven to set the finish. Air-drying paint will give you a far better finish than paint that requires an oven. 

For best results, use masking tape to keep the paint from seeping through moving parts, like the trigger and the trigger guard. Stuff rubber earplugs into holes like the barrel to prevent paint from pooling inside these areas. 

Note that you can choose to paint your gun as a whole or disassemble your gun to paint individual parts separately. 

After you paint, ensure you seek help from a gun expert or online manual to reassemble your gun. 

Regular paint can be used on a gun, but it will not give you the same metal spray paint result. In addition, regular paint is not as durable, and there's little color variety. It is also more likely to chip over time. 

To maintain optimum safety and achieve the best results, here are some tips to use when painting your gun.  

Painting your rifle, shotgun, or pistol is a gratifying endeavor that most gun owners indulge in ever so often. Above is a comprehensive guide you can use to get the job done safely and correctly.