GUN-KOTE™ OVEN CURE, GUN FINISH Reviews & Ratings

The world-famous, ultra-thin, friction-reducing coating that lasts and lasts can now be applied to any clean, pre-heated metal part in as little as 2 hours. You get the quality of genuine GUN-KOTE backed by Brownells no-hassle, complete satisfaction guarantee; an unbeatable combination!

Now you can easily apply the self-lubricating benefits of molybdenum disulfide to alloy steel, stainless steel, brass and aluminum, even properly prepared nickel plating, in just minutes. Prepare, clean and pre-heat your part to 100°, spray on Brownells GUN-KOTE and allow the part to dry. Bake the part in an oven at 325° for one hour and you’re done. You’ve protected the metal parts of your valuable firearm from rust, corrosion, and scratches with a beautiful finish that will wear for years and help keep your gun looking just like new.

Brownells GUN-KOTE is a durable, second-generation epoxy, thermo-set resin finish that will not break down, peel or dissolve. In fact, once it’s applied, the only way to remove Brownells GUN-KOTE is to abrasive blast the part. It is resistant to all known gun solvents and thinners. Each coat is approximately .0004" thick so Brownells GUN-KOTE can be used on both internal and external parts where a close-tolerance fit is required without having to worry about interference. This makes Brownells GUN-KOTE the perfect, maintenance-free coating for handgun slides and frames, shotgun receivers and magazine tubes, rifle actions and bolts, anywhere you need an ultra-thin, self-lubricating, permanent coating that protects and wears like crazy.

Liquid - 8 fl. oz. (237 mL).

THINNER NOT REQUIRED

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Reviews Summary

Customers often rave about Gun-Kote’s ease of application and the durability of the finish when proper techniques are followed, especially using an airbrush. However, some users faced issues with spray inconsistencies and drying times. Overall, it’s considered a solid choice for gun refinishing, offering a great glossy or matte finish depending on usage.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Application Techniques

60%

Many users emphasize the importance of proper application techniques, such as using an airbrush instead of HVLP spray guns and ensuring parts are heated before coating. Proper distance and technique lead to smoother finishes, and some reviewers highlight the need for patience in the drying process for optimal results.

Finish Quality

50%

Reviewers frequently praise the quality of the finish, noting its durability and aesthetic appeal when applied correctly. However, some reported issues with color consistency and unwanted sheen variations, particularly with matte options, suggesting that results can vary based on application method and environmental conditions.

Durability

45%

Customers generally find the durability of Gun-Kote impressive, noting that it withstands typical handling and adds protective qualities to firearms. Yet, some users experienced chipping and peeling, particularly on sharp edges, highlighting the importance of thorough preparation and following the specific instructions closely.

Preparation Process

55%

A common theme among the reviews is the necessity of thorough preparation, such as cleaning and degreasing surfaces properly to ensure adhesion. Many users found that taking the time to prep surfaces according to the instructions yields the best results, while improper prep leads to failures in adhesion.

Product Consistency and Experience

40%

Several reviews express dissatisfaction with consistency, particularly regarding spray issues and products being unusable out of the can, leading to concerns about quality control. Additionally, those with prior experience in similar products have varied opinions based on their expectations and applications.

Customer Photos & Videos

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Works, But Unforgiving

Refinished a Tisas 1911A1 Service Model slide. The pistol finish was thick Cerakote & tough to remove. 150 oven to absolutely dry, then a secure hanger for airbrushing. Takes a bit more Gunkote than typical airbrush painting. Part should still be warm, & Gunkote airdried quickly. Into 326 oven, all per instructions. 2 coats were surprisingly thin and matte black color looked great.

Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend

by BRYANT S. on March 21, 2026

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Nice product

This stuff is great. Lays down thin and even and is really tough. It turns out much better when sprayed thru an airbrush. HVLP guns tend to spay it a little too heavy. Make sure to keep a little extra distance between your airbrush and your part to get a matte or flat finish. Spaying to close causes a sheen in the finished product. The only reason I give this four stars instead of five is I'm experiencing very long dry time. About 48hrs between spraying and the oven because it just stays too tacky to handle. And thats hanging to dry in an air conditioned room so I know humidity isnt an issue.

Great Product

I picked up a project gun from a local dealer. It had heavy wear marks on the slide....It had been carried ALOT. I ordered Gun-Kote after a little research and talking with a friend who had used it. The slide was prepped, cleaned, and baked at 250 degrees for 30 minutes to get rid of any oil residue. After cooling, Gun-Kote was sprayed with an airbrush (which is probably the best way in my opinion) with assistance of a hairdrier to help dry. I waited 24 hours before baking and baked at recommended time and temp. It turned out almost perfect and better that I expected for the first time using it.

Gun-Kote Dark Earth

I used this for my first attempt at refinishing an 1100 that looked like it came from the bottom of the ocean. I preheated my parts and sprayed with a HF $9.99 air brush. It laid perfect. With the gun preheated it resisted running very well. It has been very durable. The only scratch I have so far is from a drill bit that slipped while modifying the barrel. I'm hooked on this stuff, wish they had more colors. My only downside is that it won't fill pits from previous rust.

tip to reduce the sheen

great product, don't like the sheen of the matte but to reduce the glossy finish here is a tip. Prep as directed, heat item before spraying with an electric heat gun, spray maximum 2 coats, wait 30 minutes between coats, wait 45 minutes after last coat, wipe painted item with lacquer thinner (carefully), then bake @ 305 F for 1hr. Or, you can add a little lacquer thinner to the paint before spraying, too much will thin it out and will require too many coats so once again (carefully).

The best bake on coating!!!

Coated my CZ 75 with it as well as 2 magazines. Bake it for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, to ensure oven and gun reached the desire temperature. Didnt wear out parts that contacted holster. However, at first, 3 days later after coated the magazines, scratch them with my nail, and coat came off(a tiny small piece). This brought my attention, and before using the gun and magazines coated, waited almost 3 weeks, to let it cure completely. After waiting that period, its amazing!!!