Paintable?

CCRIDER · December 25th, 2008, 09:54 PM

I have read several threads with info on how to make a kydex holster,mag holders etc. My question is: Can kydex be painted? if so what type of paint? any info would be great. And Merry Christmas!

Ram Rod · December 25th, 2008, 10:59 PM

If I were to paint kydex for any reason....I'd use the same thing I've used for years for automotive plastic trim color matching. Duplicolor Adhesion promoter, Duplicolor paint then Duplicolor clearcoat right out of the spray cans following the instructions. Use a prep wash and possibly rough the material up a bit with fine sandpaper if it's smooth.

Edit..(correction)...I apologize for the 'Duracoat' three times.......it's actually Duplicolor paint and products (vehicle color match paint) that I've used with extreme confidence on the vehicle plastics. A daily driver is subjected to a lot of elements to include chemicals, solvents, the spray car wash, temperature extremes, and UV radiation. The Duplicolor paints get my nomination for standing the test of all that + time. Again... I apologize for any misleading. I will now edit the word Duracoat to Duplicolor. Thanks for your understanding. Duracoat is actually a firearms finish.
http://www.duplicolor.com/products/product_index.html

Rcher · December 25th, 2008, 11:06 PM

I agree with Ram Rod. Kydex is a plastic product and most plastic products are cast with a releasing agent to promote removal from molds. Even though it is a sheet product, a release agent is most likely used in the manufacturing. Rough the surface and use a paint specifically designed for painting plastic.

QKShooter · December 26th, 2008, 12:59 AM

The method by Ram Rod seems quite sound.
There is also a spray paint from Krylon call Fusion and you might want to try that or at least read the can and see if it might be suitable.

Ram Rod · December 26th, 2008, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QKShooter

The method by Ram Rod seems quite sound.
There is also a spray paint from Krylon call Fusion and you might want to try that or at least read the can and see if it might be suitable.

My take on the Krylon 'Fusion' paint is that it may be good for some things...I just don't know what actually. In my opinion, it's not all it's cracked up to be. A one step plastic paint? I don't think there is such a thing...yet. Granted, my one and only experience with this was painting a large plastic yard table soon after the product came out and available in stores. It may cost less than the Duplicolor paint, but I think the other prep steps should be followed including the adhesion promoter and then also the clear coat later. Just my opinion.
Edited previous post for a mistake. Duracoat was portrayed as Duplicolor was intended. Duracoat is actually a firearms finish. Duplicolor is the paint and products you'd want.
http://www.duplicolor.com/products/product_index.html

QKShooter · December 26th, 2008, 01:49 AM

Kydex is Weird stuff.
It's tough finding anything solvent related that will bite into it.
Even Methylene Chloride won't really bite it.

Plus it's got that molded texture pebble grain pattern so it can only be lightly surface sanded a little bit.
Not sure anything is really going to adhere to it with a solid "coating to substrate" bond but, your method probably has the best chance.

Much depends on if he is just painting one holster or wants to start making Kydex holsters and say...start airbrushing designs or camouflage or whatever on them.

For just doing one holster...my suggestion would be...Buy the exact Kydex color you want first and start over.

Ram Rod · December 26th, 2008, 02:03 AM

Quote:

For just doing one holster...my suggestion would be...Buy the exact Kydex color you want first and start over.

This actually sounds like the best bet. I didn't know kydex came in colors. Learn something every day.

CCRIDER · December 26th, 2008, 08:39 AM

Thanks guys, didn't know that it came in colors either, will look into that..

southbound · December 26th, 2008, 10:33 AM

KYDEX (Calcutta Black, 0.125 in) - Materials - Interstate Plastics

Sheet Material

I like the OD green myself..Next I want to try the Desert Tan

December 25th, 2008, 09:54 PM	#1
CCRIDER Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: TN Posts: 75	Paintable? I have read several threads with info on how to make a kydex holster,mag holders etc. My question is: Can kydex be painted? if so what type of paint? any info would be great. And Merry Christmas! __________________ CCRIDER XD 45 Compact, Sig 220 Carry Elite Sig Customer Service, Stinks! "The more I know about people the more I like my dog."

December 25th, 2008, 10:59 PM	#2
Ram Rod VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: crawford county, arkansas Posts: 8,643	If I were to paint kydex for any reason....I'd use the same thing I've used for years for automotive plastic trim color matching. Duplicolor Adhesion promoter, Duplicolor paint then Duplicolor clearcoat right out of the spray cans following the instructions. Use a prep wash and possibly rough the material up a bit with fine sandpaper if it's smooth. Edit..(correction)...I apologize for the 'Duracoat' three times.......it's actually Duplicolor paint and products (vehicle color match paint) that I've used with extreme confidence on the vehicle plastics. A daily driver is subjected to a lot of elements to include chemicals, solvents, the spray car wash, temperature extremes, and UV radiation. The Duplicolor paints get my nomination for standing the test of all that + time. Again... I apologize for any misleading. I will now edit the word Duracoat to Duplicolor. Thanks for your understanding. Duracoat is actually a firearms finish. http://www.duplicolor.com/products/product_index.html __________________ RamRod-----sans remords live, eat, breathe, sleep Glock Last edited by Ram Rod; December 26th, 2008 at 01:30 AM..

December 25th, 2008, 11:06 PM	#3
Rcher Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Montana (resident) Utah (currently) Posts: 1,086	I agree with Ram Rod. Kydex is a plastic product and most plastic products are cast with a releasing agent to promote removal from molds. Even though it is a sheet product, a release agent is most likely used in the manufacturing. Rough the surface and use a paint specifically designed for painting plastic. __________________ >>----> Keep it Concealed: *"The Element of Surprise is Far Superior than the Target of Fate".*

December 26th, 2008, 08:39 AM	#8
CCRIDER Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: TN Posts: 75	Thanks guys, didn't know that it came in colors either, will look into that.. __________________ CCRIDER XD 45 Compact, Sig 220 Carry Elite Sig Customer Service, Stinks! "The more I know about people the more I like my dog."

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December 26th, 2008, 12:59 AM	#4
QKShooter Assistant Administrator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Off Of The X Posts: 23,395	The method by Ram Rod seems quite sound. There is also a spray paint from Krylon call Fusion and you might want to try that or at least read the can and see if it might be suitable.

December 26th, 2008, 01:49 AM	#6
QKShooter Assistant Administrator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Off Of The X Posts: 23,395	Kydex is Weird stuff. It's tough finding anything solvent related that will bite into it. Even Methylene Chloride won't really bite it. Plus it's got that molded texture pebble grain pattern so it can only be lightly surface sanded a little bit. Not sure anything is really going to adhere to it with a solid "coating to substrate" bond but, your method probably has the best chance. Much depends on if he is just painting one holster or wants to start making Kydex holsters and say...start airbrushing designs or camouflage or whatever on them. For just doing one holster...my suggestion would be...Buy the exact Kydex color you want first and start over.

December 26th, 2008, 10:33 AM	#9
southbound Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: tn Posts: 239	KYDEX (Calcutta Black, 0.125 in) - Materials - Interstate Plastics Sheet Material I like the OD green myself..Next I want to try the Desert Tan