How to Remove Paint From Airsoft Gun | Blog | Socom Tactical – Socom Tactical Airsoft

Q: Is Spraying Paint on Airsoft Guns Illegal?

No, spraying paint on airsoft guns is not illegal, provided you comply with local laws and regulations. In the UK, ensure you have a valid defence if altering a two-tone airsoft gun to resemble a Realistic Imitation Firearm (RIF) to avoid legal consequences.

Q: What Can I Use to Clean my Airsoft Gun?

For cleaning your airsoft gun, use mild soap and water for plastic parts and a designated airsoft gun cleaner for metal components. Avoid harsh chemicals to prevent damage. Ensure all parts are fully dry before reassembling to maintain optimal performance.

Q: Can I Own a Black Airsoft Gun Without UKARA?

No, in the UK, you cannot own a black airsoft gun without a valid defence such as a UKARA membership. Owning a black airsoft gun without this can lead to legal issues under the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006.

Q: What Kind of Spray Paint to Use on Airsoft Guns?

Use high-quality, durable spray paint suitable for the gun’s material. For ABS plastic, use paint designed for plastics; for metal parts, use metal-specific paint. Ensure the paint is outdoor-resistant for long-lasting results.Always apply a primer first for better adhesion, and finish with a clear coat for protection.

Whether you bought your airsoft gun directly from a supplier or you found a second-hand bargain, there's likely to be something about the appearance of your gun that you don't like. Our quick and simple guide on how to remove paint from an airsoft gun will take you through the 2 best ways to do so, along with other points you need to consider.

So, whether you're dealing with a dodgy DIY paint job or you want to remove a two-tone colour scheme, we've got you covered.

Find out how to remove paint from an airsoft gun with our handy step-by-step guide. We've covered two popular methods of removing paint depending on the type of gun you have, so all bases are covered.

We've also included a note about the legality of removing two-tone paint from your gun to help you stay current with airsoft laws.

How to Remove Paint From Your Airsoft Gun at Home

Legally, airsoft retailers must sell you airsoft weapons with a two-tone paint job. This is to ensure they comply with the laws surrounding the ownership and transportation of RIFs.

That being said, it's possible to remove the two-tone paint once you own the gun at home. We've outlined two of the most common methods to remove paint from your airsoft gun.

These methods can also be used to remove dodgy camo or DIY paint jobs from second-hand weapons.

There are some legal issues to consider before removing two-tone paint from your gun. We've outlined the legalities below. Please consider these before you remove legally required paint from your weapon.

Using a Paint Stripper

A paint stripper is one of the easiest ways to remove paint from your gun. Solvents like acetone or spirit can break down the paint and remove it from your gun.

It's important to note that this method should only be used on metal airsoft weapons, as the solvent may damage the integrity of an ABS gun.

Here's a step-by-step guide to removing paint from your gun with a paint stripper.

Choose the Right Paint Stripper: Selecting an appropriate paint stripper is crucial. To avoid damaging your airsoft gun, ensure you opt for a product suitable for your gun. Many hardware stores offer a variety of paint strippers, so read the labels carefully.
Disassemble the Airsoft Gun: Carefully disassemble your airsoft gun, removing any parts that don't require paint removal. This helps in preventing any accidental damage to sensitive components and ensures a thorough paint removal process.
Apply the Paint Stripper: Using a rag, apply the paint stripper to the painted areas of the airsoft gun. Depending on the thickness of the paint, this step requires some elbow grease and patience. Switch to cotton buds to get to hard-to-reach areas.
Clean the Surface: After scraping off as much paint as possible, clean the surface with soap and water or a recommended solvent to remove any remaining residue. If there are still traces of paint left, you might need to repeat the process.
Reassemble the Airsoft Gun: Once the gun is completely clean and dry, reassemble it carefully, ensuring all parts are securely in place.
Inspect Your Work: Finally, inspect the gun to ensure that all paint has been removed and that the surface is not damaged. Your airsoft gun should now be back to its original colour, ready for use or a fresh paint job.

If using this method, make sure to work in a well-ventilated area and wear appropriate protective gear, such as masks and gloves.

The Sandpaper Method

If you're working with an ABS gun, solvents might damage the gun's body and the paint you want to remove, so we recommend opting for the sandpaper method instead.

Choose the Correct Grit Sandpaper: Start by selecting the appropriate grit sandpaper for the job. For removing paint from your airsoft gun, a medium grit is usually effective. The grit you choose will depend on how stubborn the paint is and the material of your gun.
Disassemble the Airsoft Gun: As with the paint stripper method, you should first disassemble your airsoft gun. This ensures you only sand the necessary parts, helping to avoid any accidental damage to critical components.
Sand the Painted Areas: Begin sanding the painted areas of the airsoft gun using gentle, even strokes. Apply consistent pressure, but be careful not to sand too aggressively, as this can damage the surface of the gun. Patience is key in this step, as rushing can lead to uneven removal and scratches.
Wipe Down the Surface: Once you have removed the majority of the paint, wipe down the sanded areas with a clean, damp cloth. This will help to remove paint dust and allow you to inspect the surface more clearly. If any paint remains, repeat the sanding process with finer-grit sandpaper for a smoother finish.
Clean Thoroughly: After you have completed sanding and achieved a smooth surface free of paint, clean the area thoroughly with soap and water. This will remove any remaining dust and debris.

For both of these methods, if you're just removing an orange tip or paint from part of your gun, make sure you dismantle it or use masking tape to protect the rest of your weapon.

This helps to avoid ruining additional paintwork and creating a bigger job than necessary.

Legalities of Removing Two-Tone Paint from Your Airsoft Gun

The UK has specific regulations regarding the removal of two-tone paint from airsoft guns, primarily governed by the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006.

Under this legislation, an airsoft gun must be painted in a bright, non-realistic colour (two-tone) when being sold to individuals who do not have a valid defence for owning a realistic imitation firearm (RIF).

A valid defence can include being a member of an insured airsoft skirmish site or having a specific historical or theatrical purpose. If you possess the proper defence, you may legally remove the two-tone paint to create a more realistic appearance.

However, without such a defence, altering a two-tone airsoft gun to resemble an RIF can lead to legal consequences, including fines or even imprisonment.

Always verify your eligibility and understand your obligations under the law before proceeding with paint removal.

Additionally, consult local law enforcement or legal resources to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

You can read more about airsoft laws around the world in our extensive guide.

How to Restore Your Gun With Spray Paint

Restoring your airsoft gun with spray paint can give it a fresh, new look or help you personalise it to your taste. We've put together a brief step-by-step guide to achieving the best results.

This guide picks up where we left off with removing the previous paint job. If you haven't removed the paint, make sure to disassemble and clean the parts you're spraying first.

Choose the Right Spray Paint: It's essential to select spray paint that's suitable for your airsoft gun's material. For ABS plastic, choose a paint designed for plastics. For metal components, use paint intended for metal surfaces. Ensure the spray paint is durable and outdoor-resistant to withstand wear and tear.
Mask Off Areas: Use masking tape to cover any areas of the gun that you do not want to paint, such as inner barrel openings, sights, and decals. This helps ensure a crisp, clean finish and prevents paint from getting into functional components.
Apply Primer: Spray a thin layer of primer onto the surfaces you intend to paint. This step is crucial for ensuring better paint adhesion and a smoother finish. Allow the primer to dry completely as per the instructions. Our Montana Cans Metal Primer is great for priming metal components before following up with paint.
Apply the Base Coat: Shake the spray paint can vigorously and apply the first coat, holding the can about 20-30 centimetres from the surface, sweeping the can back and forth in a controlled motion to avoid drips and ensure even coverage. It’s better to apply several light coats rather than one heavy coat.
Allow Sufficient Drying Time: After applying the base coat, allow enough drying time as recommended by the paint manufacturer. Patience is crucial in this step to prevent smudging or imperfections.
Apply Additional Coats: Depending on the desired coverage and colour intensity, apply additional coats of spray paint, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.
Finish with a Clear Coat: Once the final coat is dry, apply a clear coat to protect the paint and give it a polished finish. This step enhances durability and contributes to a professional look. Allow the clear coat to dry completely before reassembling.

Shop Airsoft Gun Paint

Things to Consider When Removing a Bad Paint Job From Your Gun

When faced with the task of removing a bad paint job from your weapon, there are several important factors to consider to ensure the process goes smoothly.

Here are some key points to keep in mind.

Factor	Description
Type of Paint Used	Water-based paints are easier to remove with solvents. Oil-based or enamel paints require stronger methods like strippers or sanding. Research the paint type for the safest and most effective removal.
Thickness of Application	A thin layer may come off with mild solvent or light sanding. Thick or multi-layered paint jobs might need multiple stripper applications or intensive sanding. Assess the thickness to plan your approach.
Original Finishes Underneath	Consider any original finishes under the paint. If there's a specialised coating or factory finish, take extra care to avoid damaging it. Protecting the underlying finish helps maintain the weapon's integrity and makes repainting easier.

Key Takeaways: How to Remove Paint from an Airsoft Gun

Removing paint from an airsoft gun, whether you're repairing a poor paint job or creating an RIF, requires the right products and a good deal of patience.

Based on the gun's material, opt for suitable paint strippers or sandpaper, and take time to ensure thorough and even removal. Rushing the process could lead to unsatisfactory results or damage to your airsoft weapon!

For more airsoft tips and insider know-how, head on over to our blog!