are these the end all be all of finishes as they claim to be?
just wonderin`

I've done up a couple of milsurps ( with no collector's value )for a buddy and found the product to be so-so.

With proper metal preparation and careful application of the spray it gives a nice, even finish. However, it is not particularly tough. When re-positioning the barrel bands, etc., after the process I noticed some scratching on the barrels. Don't anticipate it holding up to hard use. But then, it is easy to touch up.

Hope this helps.

The Brownell's baking lacquer is inferior to KG Gunkote by a wide margin, IMHO. With respect to either product, surface preparation is key. Make sure you get a good mechanical edge [read: sandblast] with the proper grit blasting media. I don't remember which grit KG recommends. Check their web site. I've used KG on a dozen rifles over the years. I think it is a great product. I used Brownell's baking lacquer once and adhesion was inferior to KG. KG has fantastic corrosion resistance [more than 500 hours salt spray I think] and very good wear resistance. This is not to say that corners and sharp edges won't wear. They will, but if you sandblast, then parkerize, then apply the KG, you will end up with about as tough a finish as you can get---especially for the cost.


Jordan

Brownells Baking laquer gives a great LOOKING finish. I have not found it to be durable at all. This could be partially my fault as I beadblasted the parts during prepration and was told later they must be sandblasted. I did however properly strip everything before and after blasting and still surprised how weak the finish is to normal wear type incidences. I think Krylon would be as tough.

Another option is the Alumahyde II (sp) as I have found it equal to the bake ons in every way and I think it is more durable. It also has a variety of colors. I just used the dark grey parkerizing to refinish a sporter 1895 Chilean Mauser and have used the flat black on several FALs. When left to cure for at least a week and a light second coat applied I find it to be a superior finish. To remove it bead blasting may be required.