I failed to take before pics but will do so on the next funky one I do. I have a S&W model 59 that is a pile of corrosion that I am going to do a refinish to only one side to use as an example of what can be done to sound mechanical firearms that have trashed finishes.
On this one here in this thread I did as follows.
1. Complete and 100 % disassembly except removing the barrel from the frame.
2. 100% de-grease/clean.
3. A second bath in clean acetone.
4. Plug barrel and mask off areas to not be abraded for coating such as certain internal areas.
5. Fine blast with 1200 mesh aluminum oxide.
6. Bake in oven @ 350 degrees for one hour to insure that all traces of oils are gone. After baking, I did see a bit of an oily wet out area around the base of the barrel where it fastens to the frame so I washed it again in acetone and baked it one more time.
(
Prep is a major portion of the coating success)
7. Plugged barrel with silicone plugs, and masked off areas not to be coated with heat tape.
8. Sprayed all pieces in selected colors.
9. Baked at 350 degrees for one hour.
10. Spray parts with Corrosion Block, and wipe off excess.
11. Assemble. Check clearances, and operation.
12. Test shoot.
Note: I have an electronic mil-thickness meter to measure my coatings, as these coatings are only applied at 1/2 to 1 mil in thickness.
You can pretty much get a sense of how much you put on but I have a background in Maritime Forensics, and part of my work involves marine paint/coating failures, so that is why I own a $1,200.00 mil gauge
