How to paint a rifle barrel

Outdoor and hunting stores sell rifles in virtually any colour, calibre and style. Rifle barrels are typically coloured in gunmetal, polished silver, black or camouflage. A stock rifle-barrel may suit you just fine, but if you wish to change its colour you do not have to buy a replacement. Rifle barrels can be painted at home to suit the look you are trying to achieve.

Remove the barrel from your rifle. Most rifle barrels can be removed from the stock with a screwdriver and nut driver.

Pour some rubbing alcohol on a rag; thoroughly wipe the rifle barrel to remove any dirt, oils or other foreign material.

Apply masking tape to any area of the barrel you wish to leave unpainted.

Spray a coat of primer onto the rifle barrel. Spray a second coat once the first has dried.

Spray-paint the barrel with the colour of your choice. Ensure the paint you purchase will stick to metal; purchase paint that dries in a flat, non-glossy finish. Let the first coat of paint dry. Apply a second coat.

Dab a foam brush in a second colour of paint; apply camouflage markings to the barrel if desired. Choose two or three colours common to the area in which you plan to hunt. You might wish to paint branches, reeds or natural elements on the gun.

Spray the entire barrel with a matt clear-coat. The clear coat will protect your paint job. Let the clear coat dry.

Remove the masking tape from the barrel, and reassemble the rifle.