How to Customize the Look of Your Airsoft Gun

Choose the gun you want to customize. Not every airsoft gun lends itself well to a paint job. For instance, models like the G36, MP5, and other HK submachine guns usually look their best in a sleek black finish. However, rifles such as the M16, M4, sniper rifles, and SAWs are prime candidates for a custom paint job.

Decide which parts of the gun you want to paint. There are countless design options available. For weapons like the M4 and M16, it’s typically best to paint the whole gun, whereas for SAWs and sniper rifles, it's common to only paint the plastic parts or the “furniture” of the weapon.

Get your gun ready. It’s important to properly prepare your airsoft gun so it remains in top condition while you paint it. This should be done after you’ve chosen an appropriate workspace for your painting project. Start by gathering some masking or painter’s tape and a good amount of newspaper. Lay them out to create a “table” large enough to fit your gun and provide ample space for extra painting. You may also want to find a couple of sturdy cardboard boxes, or other thin, recyclable items, to support your gun during the painting process.

Setting up the workspace. Once you’ve spread out enough newspaper and secured it with tape, take a cardboard box and flip it upside down. Make sure your gun can sit comfortably on it without shifting around. Don your protective glasses and get ready to transform your airsoft gun into a work of art!

Remove the gun from the box and gather more tape, newspaper, paper towels, and tissues: You’ll need plenty of these supplies for the next steps.

Seal the barrel. Roll up some tissue into a 2-inch thick bundle, ensuring it’s thick enough to measure at least 4mm once rolled. Insert this tissue into the barrel of your gun (be sure the gun is free of batteries, magazines, and BBs). Also, remove any accessories that can be detached without using screws, such as the sling or scope. Make sure the tissue stays securely in place, even if it sticks out a little. Next, take a paper towel and cover the magazine opening, taping it down. Repeat this process for any other openings on your gun (for example, the ejection port on the M4). Try to be precise, as areas covered in tape or paper will not be painted. You want to ensure the paint job is smooth and consistent, so be meticulous in sealing the holes.

Protect the areas you don’t want painted using paper towels and masking tape. Be careful not to tear the paper towels, as they’ll help shield parts of your gun. Avoid using any tape other than masking tape, as other types may damage your gun’s finish.

Place your gun back on the cardboard box and prepare your paints and other tools nearby. Grab your lightest color (for example, tan), and hold the spray can at a slight downward angle, about 8 inches (20.3 cm) away from the gun. Lightly mist your gun with the paint. Never get any closer than this. The coating should be light, and there may be areas that remain untouched by the paint. If that happens, DO NOT continue spraying the same spot or move the can closer. Just apply a very light coat for now—you can always go back to fill in later. Make sure to cover all areas you want painted, even if other colors will be added on top. Depending on the temperature, you’ll want to let the paint dry for anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours. If it's a hot, sunny day, carefully take your gun outside (avoid touching any painted parts, even if they look dry) and leave it in the sun for about 20 minutes, along with the box to prevent dust from settling on the paint.

Once you're sure it's dry, test it to be sure. Using a blade of grass, gently tap the painted areas in spots that aren't noticeable to check if the paint has set. Next, tap a more visible area where there’s more paint. If it’s dry, lightly tap it with your finger. If it's not sticky, tap a little harder. If it feels smooth and not tacky, it’s dry. If it still feels sticky, give it more time—wait as long as you did before, or you may regret it. When it’s ready, carefully pick it up and return it to your workspace. Take the same color and lightly touch up any areas you missed, being cautious not to over-spray. Some spots might need up to five passes to get the perfect look. Never hold the can closer than 8 inches (20.3 cm) or spray in one spot for more than 5 seconds. Doing so may damage the finish.

Repeat the process for each color. Once the lighter colors are done, move on to the darker shades, carefully layering them and covering up lighter areas as needed. Never switch to another color until you’ve followed the steps in #10 to ensure everything is fully dry.

Let it cure for a few days. Ensure that the gun is left to dry in the location you’ve chosen (for example, your room). DO NOT remove any tape or barrel plugs until the paint is fully set.

• Consider using Krylon FUSION paint, which is specifically designed for plastic surfaces. It's easier to work with, looks great, and comes in camouflage options.
• When painting, make sure to wear old clothes you don’t mind ruining, or clothes that are easy to clean. You definitely don’t want to accidentally stain a pricey outfit with paint.
• Don’t attempt to paint someone else’s airsoft gun until you’ve had plenty of practice with your own. Master the technique before you offer to paint for others.

• Avoid inhaling the fumes while painting. Once you’re done, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly (and take a shower if you were wearing short sleeves or shorts during the painting process).
• Even if your gun seems dry after the first day, don’t be deceived. Just because the can says, "Dries in 15 minutes; Handle after 1 hour," doesn’t mean it's fully dry. After an hour, if you pick up the gun, you may still leave fingerprints or see paint marks on your hands.
• Never paint on grass—it will damage the lawn. Always paint on newspapers to avoid ruining your yard.
• Do not play with airsoft guns in public spaces or unauthorized areas. Playing in public or residential areas may lead to confiscation of your gun, fines, or even arrest. In some cases, it could lead to dangerous encounters with law enforcement. Always play in designated airsoft zones to ensure everyone’s safety.
• Even if your gun is painted in non-black colors, it’s still risky to carry it in public—especially if the paint makes it resemble a real weapon.
• It is illegal under U.S. Federal law to alter the orange tip on BB or toy guns. Federal law mandates these tips to signify that they are not real firearms, especially when selling or mailing them. Changing the tip can be a violation of federal law, and while local ordinances may vary, it could lead to serious consequences. Altering the orange tip can put you at risk of injury, as law enforcement may mistake the gun for a real weapon.

• Airsoft gun
• Flat paint
• Cardboard box(es)
• Newspapers
• Masking tape
• Paper towels and tissue
• Sunlight
• Patience
• Self-control—especially when a part doesn’t seem to be getting enough paint. Trust me, it’s getting there.
• 1,000-grit sandpaper (for smoothing rough paint spots).