Cheap, accessible FDE Paint found! Now how to protect it?
 

Hey guys,

I've finally painted my new AEG with the closest and most accessible paint I could get for FDE: this is Tamiya's "XF-72 Brown (JGSDF)". It's not an exact match; but it's still really close (at least, to the Magpul FDE parts I had for comparison), and actually really easy to find in most hobby shops. You must airbrush it, so it's relativly easy to add a little bit of khaki to it so it's an exact match.

Now, my question: it's a plastic model paint made for display, not for actual "heavy" handling like we airsofters do.

Do you know of any clear matte coating that I could spray on top of it for an additional layer of protection?

Thanks,
Conker

Krylon Matte Finish Clear-Coat?

Testor's Dullcoat FTW.

Yeah, I've tried the Krylon and even after a 48h wait, it didn't made much difference than without it.

Amos, I understand that you usually use it, right? Any special comment or recommandation with its use, or does it just... works?^^

many thin light coats.. but instead of waiting for it to dry you need to coat it while it's still tacky...

Coat, 10 minute wait, coat, 10 minute wait, coat... then leave to to dry for atleast 5 days...

Also, prep everything by lightly sanding, washing then rubbing down with rubbing alcohol... and don't get your finger-oil on it, wear powderless latex gloves.

How many coats?
Does it change the color of the paint or add a glossy finish?

http://www.tamiya.com/english/produc.../img/81772.gif

Does the paint look different in person? Because this looks nothing like FDE...

As for the Dullcoat, Do about.. 3-5 light coats, and it kills any gloss what so ever.

http://www.brotherprice.com/ebphoto/...%20tan%20a.jpghttp://www.tamiya.com/english/produc.../img/81749.gifhttp://www.tamiya.com/english/produc.../img/81728.gif

Yes, it does look different from this sample, but it is not an exact FDE match. It is slightly more brownish that actual FDE (though I prefer this one). To have an exact match, I'dd add about 1/4 of XF49 Khaki.

I say "about", as I still have to test it... But having seen both paints applied separately, so their actual color, it's going to be in that range.

You must note that the FDE sample I had is from clone stuff (clone MBUIS and PMAGs), however according to reviews there is no noticeable difference between the genuine and clone color.

I'm just excited because if it's close enough I'll have a FDE TM MEU :)

I'll just moved in, but I'll try to find more paint (namely the Tamiya Kakhi which I don't have right now) and I'll let you know how close it is, with which proportions. And borrow someone's camera, as I only have a webcam here.

But in summary, it should be something around:
-1/3 thinner,
-2/3 paint,
-----> 2/3 XF72
-----> 1/3 XF49.

Oh, and if you actually do it, I want pics^^

Yes, according to computer-generated colors and a lighted picture, XF55 seems the closer.

But just take whatever FDE part you have in an hobby shop (I had my stock for comparison) and compare the actual real colors, with the same lightning and all. XF72 was the closest for me.

Yeah the colors they show on the Tamiya Bottles and on the color charts is usually slightly different then what you get when you've painted stuff... I've been using the Tamiya Paints for years (for models and airsoft) and it's never been exactly the color on the bottle but it does end up matching with whatever you're trying to match it up with...

Alright, after some experiment I got something quite satisfying. It matches my FDE AN/PEQ and my MBUS.

What I used:
-14ml Humbrol "26" Matte
-5ml Modelmaster "FS30117" (Military Brown)
-7ml Testors "1138" Grey
-9ml oil paint thinner

I'm now applying the clear coat.

Hope that helps!
Conker

An alternative is to buy 4oz of Duracoat in Magpul Flat Dark Earth (paint matches exactly) for $16.95 USD. Price doesn't include shipping and they are a bit steep here in the US--like $12.00.

http://www.lauerweaponry.com/item-de...olortype=stock

And spray it on with a $4.95 USD Preval sprayer (available at home improvement stores like Home Depot.).

http://www.prevalspraygun.com/

You mix 12 to 1 paint to hardener (i.e. I mix 1 tablespoon to 1 teaspoon) in the Preval's jar. It is enough to cover 3 pistols or 2 rifles. Plus, it is extremely durable (used on real steel) and doesn't need a protective coat and won't wear off or rub off.