Sealant to protect artwork on parts

[Brick212]

Hi, gave a spare rail that was cheaply coated (slightly rough) as a test piece to an artist in the family. She kindly drew a proof of concept in pencil, however I would not know how to protect this while installed or whatever the best medium would be for the final piece on my RIF - paint, watercolour ground, pencil. From some brief research clear matte Duracoat, Alumahyde and cerakote were mentioned, though apart from a Jeweller suggesting to heat the metal then apply wax pencils in layers there seems to be no information on protecting artwork on metal. She already has further ideas but not being a professional applicator some advice would be appreciated before I appropriate more expensive parts; advice on sealants for nylon and plastic as well as how to prepare the relevant surfaces would also be helpful. Thanks in advance.

 

 

 

Edited Saturday at 19:15 by Brick212

[EDcase]

Yeah, needs some hard wearing lacquer.

The only advice I can give, you probably already know...  Make sure its clean and free from any oils before applying.

 

 

 

Edited Saturday at 13:21 by EDcase

[Tackle]

While lacquer is good, anything hard-wearing will be oil/spirit based, plus a spray based lacquer may create more issues due to the propellant gases, all of which might lift or disrupt the artwork.

I'd be more inclined to look at a tough exterior matt varnish, & gently apply the first layer with a small roller, or laid on with a brush.

But literally one thin coat, any attempt to apply more before the first coat has dried & completely cured will feck it up.

Good luck

[Lozart]

5 hours ago, Brick212 said:

Hi, gave a spare rail that was cheaply coated (slightly rough) as a test piece to an artist in the family. She kindly drew a proof of concept in pencil, however I would not know how to protect this while installed. From some brief research clear matte Duracoat, Alumahyde and cerakote were mentioned, though apart from a Jeweller suggesting to heat the metal then apply wax pencils in layers there seems to be no information on protecting artwork on metal. She already has further ideas but not being a professional applicator some advice would be appreciated before I appropriate more expensive parts; sealants for nylon and plastic as well as how to prepare the relevant surfaces, including for paint and watercolour ground, would also be helpful. Thanks in advance.

 

What EXACTLY has she used on it?

 

If it's wax pencils then you're shit out of luck. Nothing is going to lay over that.

[Brick212]

1 hour ago, Lozart said:

 

What EXACTLY has she used on it?

 

If it's wax pencils then you're shit out of luck. Nothing is going to lay over that.

 

At the moment it is just a rough proof of concept as we could find very few examples on the internet that are not etched or engraved. Future pieces can use paint or any other medium that will last or is able to be sealed - just not sure what yet.

 

Edited Saturday at 19:17 by Brick212

[Anonymoose]

So you want the design to go on a gun you're going to use or as a wall hanger?

[Brick212]

38 minutes ago, Anonymoose said:

So you want the design to go on a gun you're going to use or as a wall hanger?

Looking to use it on a RIF that will see semi-regular use.

Edited Saturday at 19:19 by Brick212

[Anonymoose]

1 hour ago, Brick212 said:

Looking to use it on a RIF that will see semi-regular use.

 

I think no matter what you use to coat the artwork it'll wear off. Don't know how quickly, but it'll wear.

 

For example, this gun's probably done 6-7 games and there's already anodizing wearing off the handguard.

 

[Lozart]

On 10/05/2025 at 19:23, Brick212 said:

 

At the moment it is just a rough proof of concept as we could find very few examples on the internet that are not etched or engraved. Future pieces can use paint or any other medium that will last or is able to be sealed - just not sure what yet.

 

 

 

OK, I know automotive custom paints will work (I've done some on proper rifles) but that depends on whether or not it's going to be airbrushed. The other thing to bear in mind is that your gun will most likely end up being at least a bit shiny if not VERY shiny (depending on the type of clear coat you use).

 

You can get 1pack automotive lacquers in a rattle can that aren't shit (look for U-Pol https://u-pol.com/product/aerosols/power-can-aerosols/power-can-clearcoat/) but if you've not used them before, try on a test piece first. Paint wise I'd suggest Createx https://graphicair.co.uk/product-category/airbrush-paint/createx-paint/ It can be brush painted but depending on colours you may need to underpaint first (reds/yellows etc are not very good for coverage).

Of course, you could do worse than get @GearTech involved!

 

Or get friendly with someone that works in a spray booth and is happy to use materials supplied by you for clearcoating.