lksyotas Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 (edited) Purchased my first 2011 a few months back and was worried about rust forming on the blued surfaces during the summer months of competition shooting. After reading rave reviews of Cerakote I decided I'd give it a try.. I just wanted to share a few pictures of my pistols transformation with everyone and get feedback on the custom graphite bronze color I applied last week. I have always liked the Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish seen often on different weapon platforms. I also have seen a few different companies that are marketing a darker blend of the Burnt Bronze. This really appealed to me as the standard burnt bronze color appeared to be a bit to "blingy" for my tastes so I wanted to "darken it up a bit". Stock gun brand new just cleaned: I first refinished the gun in standard Graphite Black. I really liked this color as it made the gun very "stealthy" or "tacticool". (I may go back to this color down the road...) Finally the "graphite bronze" color. Simply put, I mixed Graphite Black with Burnt Bronze to achieve a slightly more subdued tone. The cool thing about this new darker shade of the Burnt Bronze is how drastically it changes color in different lights. This is how it appears in a low lit room with standard incandescent lighting: Here it is in a room lit with florescent lighting: Again, same room but with more natural light added from a near by window: Finally, how it appears in direct sunlight: I think it turned out pretty cool - not sure if I'm going to keep it this color but non the less, it came out very interesting. What do you all think? Thanks for your feedback! Edited May 24, 2013 by lksyotas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul-the new guy Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Looks really good! Who's magwell is that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lksyotas Posted May 24, 2013 Author Share Posted May 24, 2013 Looks really good! Who's magwell is that? Standard STI I milled .050" off each side and .060" off the bottom. All to make it fit the IDPA box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken_Bird Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Looks pretty cool to me. I like the two tone look. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaxshooter Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 I think it looks great. I like the color in the sun the best, more contrast. Leave it that color it looks good and is different than a run of the mill 2011. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RammerJammer Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Awesome. How hard was it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lksyotas Posted May 24, 2013 Author Share Posted May 24, 2013 Thanks guys for the compliments! Applying the Cerakote had a learning curve. I tried applying Cerakote with my standard airbrush that I've used for years applying KG Industries Gunkote 2400 series. The first few tries didn't go so well...I had to much material drying prior to hitting the surface and ended up with a very rough finish or if I had the correct volume, it was not covering enough area and I would end up with uneven streaks. So after several conversations with NIC reps, I invested in a recommended HVLP mini touch up gun. From there, it has been smooth sailing. The material goes on smooth and has a even appearance. It is not as tough as I expected it to be. I wouldn't say it is any tougher than the Gunkote I'm used to using. After applying the latest color above, I've already got holster wear along the leading edge of the frame (approx. 500-1000 holster draws) It did smooth out the action slightly, the slide truly feels like its on ball bearings now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennRasch Posted May 26, 2013 Share Posted May 26, 2013 I realy like that color, I'm going to do a few of mine like that...... LOOKS GOOD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DodgeThis Posted May 26, 2013 Share Posted May 26, 2013 Very nice! Love the stealth black color as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fate0n3 Posted May 26, 2013 Share Posted May 26, 2013 The color looks awesome!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadyscott999 Posted May 27, 2013 Share Posted May 27, 2013 I like it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
torrpd Posted May 27, 2013 Share Posted May 27, 2013 looks good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AC45ACP Posted July 24, 2013 Share Posted July 24, 2013 Purchased my first 2011 a few months back and was worried about rust forming on the blued surfaces during the summer months of competition shooting. After reading rave reviews of Cerakote I decided I'd give it a try.. I just wanted to share a few pictures of my pistols transformation with everyone and get feedback on the custom graphite bronze color I applied last week. I have always liked the Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish seen often on different weapon platforms. I also have seen a few different companies that are marketing a darker blend of the Burnt Bronze. This really appealed to me as the standard burnt bronze color appeared to be a bit to "blingy" for my tastes so I wanted to "darken it up a bit". Stock gun brand new just cleaned: I first refinished the gun in standard Graphite Black. I really liked this color as it made the gun very "stealthy" or "tacticool". (I may go back to this color down the road...) Finally the "graphite bronze" color. Simply put, I mixed Graphite Black with Burnt Bronze to achieve a slightly more subdued tone. The cool thing about this new darker shade of the Burnt Bronze is how drastically it changes color in different lights. This is how it appears in a low lit room with standard incandescent lighting: Here it is in a room lit with florescent lighting: Again, same room but with more natural light added from a near by window: Finally, how it appears in direct sunlight: I think it turned out pretty cool - not sure if I'm going to keep it this color but non the less, it came out very interesting. What do you all think? Thanks for your feedback! Looks Awesome!! What ratio of Black and Bronze did you use? I'm looking at refinshing my SBR it's Patriot Brown now and I really like that "Graphite Bronze" Thanks Adam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steel1212 Posted July 24, 2013 Share Posted July 24, 2013 Like!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shooter545 Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 That is freakin' nice! Love the color. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FroGlockNut Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 I love that color Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lksyotas Posted August 11, 2013 Author Share Posted August 11, 2013 Looks Awesome!! What ratio of Black and Bronze did you use? I'm looking at refinshing my SBR it's Patriot Brown now and I really like that "Graphite Bronze" Thanks Adam Hello Adam, sorry for the late response. I hardly ever check back here to read the comments. I tried 10% bronze & then 20%. I ended up liking15% the best and that's what was sprayed on this gun. Let me know if you have any questions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AC45ACP Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 My Version and I really Like the Color!! Thanks for the inspiration! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lksyotas Posted August 14, 2013 Author Share Posted August 14, 2013 AC45acp- awesome job! Love the color on a AR platform. I'm thinking of doing my VersaMax in this color as well... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madworx Posted September 11, 2013 Share Posted September 11, 2013 Yes the two tone looks awesome, wouldnt change a thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerTrace Posted September 11, 2013 Share Posted September 11, 2013 Looks awesome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdphotoguy Posted September 11, 2013 Share Posted September 11, 2013 Love it, the factory color scheme was boring, but not now after you worked your magic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Law_Man Posted September 16, 2013 Share Posted September 16, 2013 Purchased my first 2011 a few months back and was worried about rust forming on the blued surfaces during the summer months of competition shooting. After reading rave reviews of Cerakote I decided I'd give it a try.. I just wanted to share a few pictures of my pistols transformation with everyone and get feedback on the custom graphite bronze color I applied last week. I have always liked the Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish seen often on different weapon platforms. I also have seen a few different companies that are marketing a darker blend of the Burnt Bronze. This really appealed to me as the standard burnt bronze color appeared to be a bit to "blingy" for my tastes so I wanted to "darken it up a bit". Stock gun brand new just cleaned: I first refinished the gun in standard Graphite Black. I really liked this color as it made the gun very "stealthy" or "tacticool". (I may go back to this color down the road...) Finally the "graphite bronze" color. Simply put, I mixed Graphite Black with Burnt Bronze to achieve a slightly more subdued tone. The cool thing about this new darker shade of the Burnt Bronze is how drastically it changes color in different lights. This is how it appears in a low lit room with standard incandescent lighting: Here it is in a room lit with florescent lighting: Again, same room but with more natural light added from a near by window: Finally, how it appears in direct sunlight: I think it turned out pretty cool - not sure if I'm going to keep it this color but non the less, it came out very interesting. What do you all think? Thanks for your feedback! Those are some are some sweet guns!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AR Gunner Posted September 18, 2013 Share Posted September 18, 2013 Purchased my first 2011 a few months back and was worried about rust forming on the blued surfaces during the summer months of competition shooting. After reading rave reviews of Cerakote I decided I'd give it a try.. I just wanted to share a few pictures of my pistols transformation with everyone and get feedback on the custom graphite bronze color I applied last week. Just saw this. Your project turned out great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harleyvet02 Posted September 19, 2013 Share Posted September 19, 2013 I really like the color. I am planning a build and this gives me some ideas. Is the grip skate taped or did you do aluminum oxide on it? I can't tell from the pics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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