Why isn't GunSkins sticking to the surface of my gun or accessory?

To the touch, GunSkins isn't incredibly tacky. This isn't a defect in the product, but rather, the defining character of the vinyl because it is a heat activated material. Before installing any GunSkins camouflage wrap to a firearm, magazine, or accessory, it is absolutely necessary to clean and degrease the surface in order for the vinyl to properly adhere to it. A clean gun makes for a clean install. Here are a few products we recommend using:

• Froglube solvent
• Gun scrubber
• Any gun-specific degreaser

We recommend using a small brush and scrub into all the recessed areas to remove oil and dirt. Then wipe it off with a lint-free cloth or rinse with warm water and let dry. Please do not use household or industrial cleaners/degreasers because they leave a film on the surface. Additionally, denatured or isotropic alcohol are not suitable cleaners because they are not strong enough to cut through gun oil and grease.

New Guns

New guns tend to be more oily and may require more than one round of degreasing. It might seem counter-intuitive to clean a new gun, but they are commonly lubricated from the factory for preservation purposes and it needs to go in order for the material to bond successfully. Before installation, we recommend wiping the surface with rubbing alcohol to help remove any remaining residue and moisture.

Composite and Synthetic Polymer Stocks

There are a few instances when extra attention is required in order to properly clean and prep the surface before installation. If the gun stock is made from composite material or synthetic polymer, a strong degreaser may be required. The molds used for making composite items like grips and stocks are lubricated very heavily to prevent the finished product from sticking to the mold. That lube remains on the stock or grips and needs to be removed with a gun-specific degreaser in order for the vinyl to properly adhere.

Likewise, synthetic polymer stocks, which are made from petroleum, also require extra cleaning because the presence of oils will cause the vinyl to lose adhesion. We have seen great results when using non-chlorinated brake cleaner for cleaning these types of parts and pieces. Once dry, the material should go on easily and pressed into every contour of the polymer material. Use heat from a heat gun or hair dryer to help achieve conformability.