Not happy, not happy at all. I ordered this product on line for $43 including shipping. The product did arrive quickly and well packaged, and the "concept" is sound enough I suppose, but I am definitely disappointed. It looks likes the standard Duracoat is designed to be applied with a HVLV airbrush setup. The Shake N' Spray's application was no different to apply than a standard can of spray paint, with the duracoat being sucked up through a siphon tube which draws the duracoat from a glass container. That being said, here's the follow up. (By the way, I totally field stripped my weapon, pre-cleaned, and then followed the manufactures directions to the "T").
After hours of prepping and cleaning comes time to shoot the color. One thing that the instructions don't spell out, but is rather obvious, is that the color does not spray right away, it has to be siphoned into the tube and up to the tip. Understanding this I gave it a couple of quick hits to prime the unit, and once I had the product flowing I began to spray my gun parts. With the first pass, the tip blew out a small load of "crap", that could best be described as residue or something left over from the manufacturing process. So in the first 1/2" second it looks like somebody tossed about a pinch of small sand particles into the coating. Not Good. Luckily I had some paper towels handy and was able to quickly remedy that situation. Continuing on, I noticed that the flow through the tube was not smooth at all. The spray button was stiff and difficult to use, it was as if there was no middle ground. So after pressing hard enough to allow the product to flow, it comes out rather quickly, but at least the race is on. After finishing one piece, I moved on to a second with the same unpredictable and erratic results. About 2 seconds into the second piece, I noticed a run. In unbelief, I inspected the first piece, and low and behold, another run. Now, before anybody jumps in with a comment about distance from the object being painted and continuousness overlapping strokes, and yada yada yada.....I am aware. I have done plenty of painting in my days, from cars to, furniture, to about everything else, so I do get the point on how to paint. I have had better flow and control from an 89 cent spray can from Walmart. Once the runs are there, it's all over. The parts were hanging, and even though I knew it wouldn't work, I attempted to wipe the run (I was desperate). How do you wipe a run from a hanging part? Well, ya gotta touch it. Not pretty. Now, keeping in mind, that this product may perform perfect once it cures, and it might even look good if it applied with a proper air brush, the shake 'N Spray is two thumbs down in my book. Now I have to let it dry, and attempt to sand of a product that is designed to not be taken off. If I am successful with returning the 2 pieces of hardware to their paint ready state, how long will the duracoat last in the bottle once the hardener is installed. If it does last, I now have to haul everything to a buddy who has the proper equipment. So, in closing...I'm out $43. I have 2 guns down, one of which is my primary home defense and E.D.C, more unwarranted work ahead of me in repairing the damage, and a very bad taste in my mouth for this product. In the end, good luck with your decision.
