Frequently Asked Questions
How durable is DuraCoat?
DuraCoat has been rigorously tested by several labs to measure its durability. Here are those results:
Adhesion– ASTM D3359
Adhesion of a coating can be measured using a test known as Crosshatch Adhesion. This test is performed by scratching coated steel panels in a crosshatch pattern and then using tape to attempt to remove any of the coating. The results are then scored on a 0B to 5B scale with 5B being the best score. DuraCoat Matte Black passed the test with a top rating of 5B.
Flexibility via Conical Mandrel Bend – ASTM D522
Flexibility can be tested using ASTM D522 which places coated steel panels in a device that bends the panel around a conical shaped mandrel. This tests the ability of the coating to flex and stretch with the deformation of the metal substrate. The smallest mandrel used is 1/8”. Coatings that withstand the 1/8” test receive the highest rating available for this test. DuraCoat Matte Black passed the 1/8” mandrel test with no signs of cracking or deformation.
Impact Resistance– ASTM D2794
Impact Resistance can be measured using ASTM D2794. This test is performed by dropping a weight onto a coated steel panel at a certain distance causing the panel and coating to deform. This distance is increased until the coating fails. Coating failure is the point at which cracking or delamination occurs. This test can be performed both by Direct Impact and Reverse Impact. DuraCoat Matte Black was tested using both methods. It was determined to have a Direct Impact strength and a Reverse Impact strength of 160 inch-lbs which is the maximum the impact tester can measure.
Pencil Hardness– ASTM D3363
Pencil Hardness measures the ability of a coating to resist scratching, marring, or gouging. A range of lead pencils are used to test the coating by scratching the surface to see if damage occurs. The hardest lead used before the coating is scratched determines the rating. It should be noted that a higher hardness rating is not always best in terms of overall durability. A coating that scores very high runs the risk of being brittle. Flexibility is a very important factor in the durability of any coating. DuraCoat Matte Black rated a 6H pencil hardness. This score reflects DuraCoat’s perfect balance of hardness and flexibility which results in its outstanding durability.
Corrosion– ASTM B117
We contracted an independent lab to run the ASTM B117 Salt Spray Test with the scribe variation. This variation calls for a scratch/scribe to be placed on the panel before it is placed in the salt spray chamber. This measures how well the coating prevents rust from creeping under the edge. This is a realistic test since coated parts can have an edge where the coating stops or where the coating becomes damaged. We requested that the test be run until significant rust was visible. The lab stopped the test at 498 hours after we reviewed the photos seen below.
Can I properly apply DuraCoat® products without training?
Absolutely! DuraCoat® is extremely easy to apply. Anyone can do it. DuraCoat® was designed for the average guy. Preheating, baking and blasting are not required. Expensive, space consuming equipment is not needed. Simply clean and degrease the surface prior to application. If you don't have access to an airbrush, HVLP spray gun or conventional spray gun, our Shake ‘N Spray™ Finishing Kit or DuraCoat® Aerosol Kit are a great place to start!
If I have a problem applying DuraCoat®, what can I do?
If you need assistance of any kind, call 1-800-830-6677 Monday through Friday 7:00AM to 5:00PM (CST). A team of DuraCoat® technicians are available to assist you with all aspects of the DuraCoat® process. From selecting the most suitable DuraCoat® product, color or pattern for your application to troubleshooting prep or finishing situations, we are here to help you.
How durable is DuraCoat®?
With normal use, an item finished with DuraCoat® will last several lifetimes.
What is DuraCoat®?
DuraCoat® is a two-part urethane-based coating. It is designed to be extremely flexible and forgiving allowing for it to be used on any surface and in extreme conditions.
How do I apply DuraCoat®?
DuraCoat® can be applied by airbrush, conventional spray gun, or HVLP spray gun. It is also available in an aerosol version.
Can DuraCoat® be brushed on?
Generally no, DuraCoat® is for spray application. Small accents or pattern designs can be applied with an artist’s brush but be aware that it will not level out.
Will DuraCoat® adhere to hard coat anodizing and Parkerizing?
DuraCoat® loves hard coat anodizing and Parkerizing as a base. Both processes leave a good rooting surface for DuraCoat®.
How much DuraCoat® is needed?
A 4oz container of DuraCoat® will coat approximately 8 square feet.
Are the Peel 'n Spray™ Templates reusable?
Yes. Most patterns can be used up to 6 times. The more detailed patterns are difficult to reuse because of the many angles or cuts. To reuse the template, remove from the surface and place on wax paper for future use.
Do I need a special degreaser?
Yes. Some degreasers, especially those used in the automotive industry, can leave a residue. This residue will form a barrier between the surface and DuraCoat® causing a coating failure. We manufacture TruStrip™ Cleaner/Degreaser solely for use with DuraCoat. TruStrip™ is capable of cleaning the contaminates and will not leave a residue.
Do I need a special solvent to clean my airbrush or spray gun?
DuraCoat® Reducer is the best solvent to use as it will break down the DuraCoat® and not cause any contamination issues. Products like lacquer thinner can be used for initial clean up but should be followed up with DuraCoat® Reducer to remove the residues left behind. Acetone can also be used but sparingly as this is hard on your equipment. DuraCoat® Reducer will keep your airbrush or spray gun in top working condition.
Is reducing DuraCoat® required?
Depending on your spray equipment, spray technique, climate, and environment your DuraCoat® may or may not need reducing. If your DuraCoat® does not lay down smooth on the surface of your firearm, it most likely needs to be reduced. Always have some DuraCoat® Reducer on hand as it may be required on given days due to weather conditions.
The same applies to DuraCoat® Retarder. Always have some DuraCoat® Retarder on hand as it cures problems normally occurring in high humidity weather. One of these high humidity problems called "blushing" makes the DuraCoat® appear cloudy. Another called "dry spray" occurs when some of the DuraCoat® dries before it reaches the surface and causes a rough or dusty surface.
Can I blend DuraCoat® colors together?
Yes. All DuraCoat® colors can be intermixed. With a handful of standard DuraCoat® colors, you can create an infinite number of colors by blending them.
When is DuraCoat® fully cured?
DuraCoat® is dry to the touch in 20 minutes, can be handled in 1 hour and is ready for use overnight. Although DuraCoat® will gain most of its final hardness, elasticity and chemical resistance over a 2-3 week period, time will continue to enhance DuraCoat®'s characteristics over a lifetime. DuraCoat®, like fine wine, gets better with age. As we say, "DuraCoat® wears in, not out."
How do I apply DuraCoat® to wood?
Degrease and lightly sand wood surfaces. Use DuraFil™ to remove any scratches and dings, then apply DuraCoat®. Allow to dry overnight. Do not bake.
Will DuraCoat® withstand the salty environment?
Certainly. DuraCoat® is well suited for salty environments. One of DuraCoat®'s attributes is its extreme ability to resist salt corrosion.
What is the shelf life of DuraCoat®?
The shelf life of DuraCoat® is 12-18 months and DuraCoat® Hardener is 6 months, if properly sealed and stored in a cool, dark, and dry place. These shelf lives can be extended by sealing the product in a zip lock bag and placing it in a refrigerator. The refrigerator should be a coating-dedicated refrigerator and should not be used to store food or drinks.
Will DuraCoat® burn off my engine?
DuraCoat® can withstand temperatures as high has 500-600°F. If the part you will be coating will rise to over 1,000°F. In those cases, use our DuraHeat™ 2.0 coating. Our DuraHeat™ 2.0 coating can withstand temperatures up to 1,500°F.
How easy is DuraCoat® removed?
Not easy at all. The elastic nature of DuraCoat® resists blasting. A qualified individual, with the proper blast media, can safely remove DuraCoat® without damaging the surface. Be careful. In most cases, we recommend lightly blasting the surface, being cautious not to remove any DuraCoat®. Just "beat up" the DuraCoat® giving it "tooth" so your new application of DuraCoat® has something to adhere to.
What makes DuraBlue® different than DuraCoat®?
DuraBlue® is a revolutionary new coating that was formulated out of DuraCoat®, but is a specialized coating all on its own. DuraBlue® uses the same Hardener as DuraCoat® and retains the same durability as DuraCoat®, but it replicates the look of traditional bluing.
DuraBlue® is able to replicate this look because a person can see through the coating, but not all the way through to the underlying surface. This transparent effect gives it the depth needed to successfully replicate bluing. In order to fully achieve this effect though, the actual spray application process is slightly different than DuraCoat®. Be sure to read and understand the DuraBlue® instructions before attempting in order to ensure that you achieve the desired bluing replication effect.
Should I blast the surface prior to coating with DuraBlue®?
Blasting the surface is not required although it will help to improve adhesion of the coating. A blasted surface will not affect the appearance of the DuraBlue® since it hides whatever surface you are coating.
Why does DuraBlue® come with a disposable strainer?
DuraBlue® is a specially formulated coating that relies upon its transparent effect in order to replicate the look of traditional bluing. This means that any solids present in the coating prior to application will noticeably appear on the surface of the parts being coated. Be sure to always shake, mix, and strain the DuraBlue® according to its instructions prior to application.
Can DuraBlue®/DuraCoat be baked?
Yes, metal parts that have been coated with DuraBlue® can be baked to speed up the initial dry time. Once fully coated, you can either:
- Hang parts to dry overnight. Reassembly can be done the next day and the item can be put into use.OR
- Bake metal parts at 110°F for 90 minutes or 200°F for 20 minutes. Reassembly can be done and the item put into use once the parts have cooled down to room temperature.
Only expose your parts to light use during the 3-4 week cure time. Once fully cured, DuraBlue®/DuraCoat will provide an abrasion, impact, and corrosion resistant finish. It will also be resistant to oils, cleaners, and solvents.
Will DuraBlue® hide DuraFil™?
DuraFil™ is used to fill pits, scratches, and dings before coating with DuraBlue® or DuraCoat®. Since DuraBlue® hides the surface you are coating, the DuraFil™ will not be seen once it has been coated over. This fact enables endless gun restoration possibilities.
Can DuraBlue® be touched-up?
If a blemish occurs on the surface of the DuraBlue®, the blemish can be touched-up but the entire surface of the part will need to be recoated with DuraBlue® in order to blend the touch-up in with the rest of the surface. This prevents the touch-up from being noticeable. To touch-up a blemish:
- Clean the entire surface of the part.
- Lightly hand sand the blemish.
- If it has been longer than 7 days since coating, lightly hand sand the entire surface of the part in order to give the DuraBlue® texture to adhere to. You may skip this step if it has been within 7 days since originally coating with DuraBlue®.
- Blow off any sanding dust using clean shop air.
- Spray DuraBlue® on the blemish and the entire surface of the part in order to both hide the blemish and create a uniform look and sheen with the rest of the surface.
- Allow part to air or oven dry as stated in the DuraBlue® instructions.
Will DuraBlue® hide the welds on my firearm?
Yes, DuraBlue® will hide all welds on your firearm.
Will DuraBlue®/DuraCoat adhere to bare/raw aluminum?
Yes, DuraBlue® and DuraCoat will adhere to all metals and plastics. Be sure to properly prepare all surfaces prior to coating per the instructions.
How come other finish manufacturers boast hardness, but make no mention of elasticity?
A common misconception is "harder is better". This is faulty "old school thinking". Hardness means brittle and brittle means chipping. DuraCoat®, being elastic, should not chip. If your DuraCoat® chips, it means you have a preparation problem. Most likely, the surface was not clean. Elasticity provides protection by "giving" when confronted with impact. Elasticity also helps prevent scratches and mars.