Hi Guys,

So I am looking over some load pictures of myself and then I notice all this crazy type on my VFC416, somehow I never really paid attention to this minor detail but this picture brought into the forefront, plus its the long weekend and I needed a project to keep me from spending money on accessories. Below is the type.



So I decided I would wipe out those markings, not only get rid of them but also add a custom icon. Below is the icon I chose to use, its a logo I made myself for various internet uses and it has stuck with me.



So first off I studied the surface and cleaned it, below the type in question.



Then I measured the area and allowed space for tape and for the template to fit, I then printed the logo to the scale I needed.



I then cut away the negative space areas, this is where the paint will pass on its way to the surface. Be sure to use a sharp Xacto knife and watch your fingers, these things cut through anything. Also note that the graphic I used is very detailed and has a lot of minor details, so the difficulty of the job depends on the complexity of the icon.



Next block off the area you wish to cover up. Electrical tape works wonders for this stuff.



Then wrap the rest of the gun, I used some oversized Target bags, be sure to remove everything that can easily be removed, magazines, optics, the more the better.



Find a secluded space outside or in the garage, anywhere you can let the odors fade away without you having to inhale all of them. I took the square I cut of the bag and tested to make sure the paint does not pass through it.



Next I hit the area with a couple of coats of primer, do not try to cover the whole area in one spray you will over load it and it will leak and go on uneven, slowly "dust" the area going back and forth until fully covered. I am using a home depot primer which is designed to work with metal as well as other materials.



Let the primer dry for as long as you see fit or follow the directions on the can. Then before applying the black color I cut away about 1/8" of an inch of the tape all around the windowed are, this will allow the black paint to overlap the primer and the original paint.




While waiting for everything to dry I cut the template away from the original print out to see how well it would work.




The first pass I used a paint that was way too sparatic and it ended up creating a washed out look.



I then used a newer can of paint and it went on a lot smoother, but since the template was simply laid over the top when it was moved the paint smeared, so I knew I had to make sure the template laid close to the surface of the rifle when the time came.



After the paint dried I removed the bag to check on the results, not bad, you can see some Xacto knife scars which I made unintentionally when I cut away the square in the bag, be careful.



Then I trimmed down the logo, getting close to the icon but leaving room for tape and placed it where I want it to end up, again the electrical tape is doing the job.



Next I reapplied the same bag I used for the black paint with a little bit of saran wrap, which works well.



Next is the actual application of the paint of your choosing, I chose Sand to match the rest of my rifle but this is where you can do what you will. Just as you did with the primer and the black colors "Dust" back and forth until the area is filled. Let dry and slowly remove.






The last step, enjoy!!!!







[img]http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t143/brainexploder/CustomMarkingsTut19.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t143/brainexploder/CustomMarkingsTut20.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t143/brainexploder/CustomMarkingsTut21.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t143/brainexploder/CustomMarkingsTut22.jpg[/img]

Comments appreciated, and if you use the tutorial please post your results.

This post has been edited by BrainExploder: Sep 3 2007, 02:06 AM