Realtree camo decal application

[BigPines]

I have always liked the look of "realtree' camo and have seen a few guns finished in it. I have a friend who is quite artistic that I may persuade into doing a "realtree" job on one of my FALs.

My questions are:

(1) What kind of paint should I use? Bluing? Parkerizing? Something else? I don't even know haw many colors you can get park/bluing in.
(2) How would this be best applied? Airbrush? Hand brush? Something else?

How is this being done? Thanks in advance.

[ October 20, 2001: Message edited by: gary.jeter ]

[JohnnyMac]

I'm not positive, but I believe that the finish shown in your pictures is applied from a pre=printed film. The pattern is printed (in reverse) onto a backing material, possibly Mylar. Sheets of the material are cut to cover the parts of the gun, then applied with either a solvent or heat(?).

The best comparison I can give are the temporary tatoos for kids.

I don't know if this is a DIY type of thing or not. May require some special solvents or equipment.

If you want to do a similar pattern, you can use spray paint and leaf stencils. Hunter's Specialities sells a kit with Matte Brown, Tan and Olive Drab spray enamel and a couple of leaf stencils. This would not be an extremely durable finish, but is cheap and easy to do. A friend of mine used this kit to camo his shotgun for turkey hunting, and has only needed minor touch-ups at the end of each season.

JMc

[BigPines]

Thanks JohnnyMac,

Actually, my artist friend said the same thing about these pics when I showed him. He was almost certain it was done on a computer and then transferred on the gun by some unknown means. I found that hard to believe but now I'm thinking he was right.

This guy is actually a graphic artist and has a bit of equipment so I may be able to do this if I can only find out how. It won't actually be a "home job" in the strictest sense. If someone knows anything, please post!

I do want the finish to be as durable as possible. If I can get this to turn out good, he may be interested in doing more for people who want it.

Thanks!

[Mike A]

It's done by a pre-printed sheet/film being put into a heated tank of liquid. Once the backing dissolves or is removed, the pattern is then a "film" or slick on the liquid. The weapon is then slowly dipped into the liquid, which presses the pattern onto the weapon. It's as permanent as any finish, but is susceptable to certain strong solvents over time. Here's a link to the folks who do it. It's quite reasonable really: http://www.trebark.com/second_skin/index.htm

I'm thinking about it myself, and have been for some time.

Cheers,
Mike

------------------

“Molon Labe"
["Come and get them"]
- Leonidas to Xerxes at the Battle of Thermopylae when
told to lay down their arms and they would be spared.


moamike@ix.netcom.com

[BigPines]

Thanks Mike A,

This looks like what I have been looking for. Under $200 sounds like a deal since I was thinking it would be around $500. Does anyone know of any problems that may be associated with this type of coating? Does heat affect it adversely? Anything else I should know?

[Mike A]

BP,
Heat won't affect it, unless it's open flame or extremely high heat - much hotter than the gun will ever get on it's own under firing conditions.
There are quite a few major gun manufacturers that are using this finish on their guns. Look at the newer Steyr SBS "MossyOak" finished Pro Hunter, various waterfowl and turkey shotguns, etc. The durability looks real good with reasonable care. I haven't looked at the site in awhile, but I recall them giving certain care tips. Just like the pic of the para-Fal you showed in your initial post, I think a FAL is great looking in this coating! I have one in the wings for this treatment, and as soon as I finish another project or two that I already have going, I'm sending my Congo off... Can't wait - it looks real impressive!

Cheers,
Mike

------------------

“Molon Labe"
["Come and get them"]
- Leonidas to Xerxes at the Battle of Thermopylae when
told to lay down their arms and they would be spared.


moamike@ix.netcom.com

[gman]

That is WILD! It really looks good too.

[W.E.G.]

btt

['TUDE]

Have no association with them, but may want to check out www.camotech.com (http://www.camotech.com) . I have seen two rifles that were done by them and are really nice. Many choices of patterns to choose from. On main page, scroll down to bottom and click "catalog". This page will give you choices of "US Patterns", Camotech Patterns", and "Foreign Patterns".
Good prices and their in Texas too.

[LVACGAR]

Thanks for the "bump" Gary! That coating process looks fantastic, and I must have one FAL finished thusly!