How to color fill?

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  • eurocarnut

    Active Member
    Jul 28, 2010
    324
    Are there any DIYs on here on how to color fill a rifle or handgun? I tried the nail polish method on my glock and it doesn't seem to stay in the recesses of the lettering. I am letting the nail polish dry for ~15 minutes before using polish remover and lightly going over the slide.

    On a side note how do I make the images I post smaller?

    HT6jzz2.jpg
     

    Sticky

    Beware of Dog
    MDS Supporter
    Mar 16, 2013
    4,501
    AA Co
    Never tried nail polish, I use model paint (Testors model paint). Apply it heavy, let it dry for about 15 mins or so, then carefully wipe the surface with a business card or old credit card (something stiff that will just take the excess off). It will smear around a bit, but let it dry for about an hour then take a cloth (like an old t-shirt) and I wrap that tight across the edge of the credit card I used, dampen it with mineral spirits and lightly clean it up. Let it dry overnight and repeat that cleaning to remove any ghosting of paint. Works great, holds up well.. ;)
     

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    Sticky

    Beware of Dog
    MDS Supporter
    Mar 16, 2013
    4,501
    AA Co
    Oops, forgot the most important part... clean the area thoroughly with solvent (I use brake cleaner) first and let it dry well before applying the paint.
     

    Sticky

    Beware of Dog
    MDS Supporter
    Mar 16, 2013
    4,501
    AA Co
    The key is to not rub it with a rag and finger until it has fully dried the next day, then you can put a little pressure on it.. at first, just scrape the excess heavy paint off the top with a stiff edge, then a very light wipe with a cloth across a stiff edge, like a credit card, so it won't 'dig' down into the reliefs... after an overnight dry, you can do a more thorough cleanup and it won't take the paint out of the engraving as long as you don't wipe it too hard. ;)

    It will look a little rough at first, after an overnight dry, you can clean it up better..
     

    jrumann59

    DILLIGAF
    MDS Supporter
    Feb 17, 2011
    14,024
    I have used testors model paint, and hair dryer and crayon method, both work. Model paint tends to be more glossy even with flat paint, and crayons tend to be more matte and will usually fill the whole engraving.
     

    BrewDoc_MD

    Piss off, ghost!
    Apr 25, 2012
    633
    Myersville, MD
    +1 for Lacquer-Stiks. I got mine on Amazon for about $8-$10 each. Brownells actually has them cheaper, but you pay for shipping unless you spend >$99.
     

    smokey

    2A TEACHER
    Jan 31, 2008
    31,412
    Crayon works great and is surprisingly durable.
     

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    Jollyllama

    Ultimate Member
    Apr 9, 2012
    1,457
    Carroll county
    For glock I have used the cheapest nail polish possible. Use isopropyl alcohol to prep the area. Put a very light coating over the area to be filled. You don't want to glob it on. I wait 5-10 mins and use a paper towel or rag with nail polish remover on it to lightly rub the area. You don't want to scrub. This usually works on the first try. If there are little gaps or you want more, do another coat.
     
    Last edited:
    Jul 1, 2012
    5,711
    Try thinning the nail polish before applying, it'll flow better and be easier to clean up off the raised surfaces... same if using Testors or other paints.
     

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