Painting stainless steel?

[mmatt]

Can it be done without too much hassle? I googled it and got answers from:

"wash it good and paint away!"

to:

"you paint it... it'll rust."

Thanks!

Matthew

PS - because you'll inevitably ask:

What is it? It's a barrel.

Why the heck would you want to do that?!? Because the only barrel I can seem to find in the length and configuration I want is in stainless and I need it to be black.

 

[mpjustin]

if you buy it you can probaly find someone to trade you for a blued one

 

[Grizzlypeg]

Can it not be chemically blackened?

 

[mmatt]

How would you do that?

 

[alberta tactical rifle]

There are several manners to accomplish what you want.
Cheap way, but can work for all seasons is Tremclad spray paint to match what season or surrounding you want, easy to change or repair.

More expensive is professional coating like Ceramic or Teflon coating, very durable comes many colors, costs about $200.00

Chemical blackening, usually only done by a few professionals, we do it here, it is very permanent, as it is a chemical reation, is a PITA to do and is expensive as well, start at $200.00 and go up if you want glossy finish as polishing gets pricey quick.

 

[ceriksson]

Might help to put on a coat of primer before painting too. I've used the Krylon camo spray paint, doing 1 coat every 24 hours and it turned out really well. Wasn't on a barrel though but I'm sure it'd be pretty similar

 

[lineofsight]

Believe oil based paint works, parkerizing doesnt, powder coating may depending on how its done.

 

[blargon]

KG GunKote, or the CeraKote...

Or Tremclad it and do touch-ups when needed. It won't rust.