You can order McM stocks now with the color added to the stock material; holds up really well.

I've used rattle-can finishes on composite stocks for decades now dating back to my first sheep rifle in 1980.
The newer paints along with matte clear coat takes it to an even higher level. Even the spider web hold up well if hit with a little clear coat. I really like the "stone" finishes right now for the grip and look.
They can take all kinds of weather and a real pounding and come out looking great and functioning really well.
Awesome job guys!

Zeke

Covid quarantine is getting to me and I need a project. So, I'm going to try this on a Steyr I picked up primarily for a croc hunt because it has a set trigger. It's got that, but it's also got a butt ugly black plastic stock on it that couldn't look a lot worse.

But it has cast in checkering on the forearm and grip.

Part of me says mask it and leave the checkered places black and unpainted and part of me says paint over the whole thing. If I mask it, I'm afraid it will chip at the juncture all around.
If I don't, I'm not sure how it would look over the checkered areas. Would like your thoughts.

Especially from the guys who've done it. Thanks.

I have seen but have no personal experience with painted checkering on composite stocks but it looked okay to me? I assume it would be as durable.

quote:

and part of me says paint over the whole thing.

Yep.

First time I used that stone type paint
was for grip on a handrail down the folks
basement stairs. It's still good 14 years
later.

Not long after that I painted the black
plastic stock on a NEF rifle I was using
for coyote calling. It's gotten some scabbed
up. What the hell, spray it again.

A few years ago I had a Mida's muffler shop
bend a section of 1 1/2" pipe for a hand rail
down my own shops "suicide steps".

Made a mistake and grabbed hold of it a couple
hours later and it hadn't cured enough yet.
Wasn't sticky, but, it slipped some. Sprayed
it again and it's good about 5-6 years now.

Sure enhances the gripping quality.

George