Snakeskin finish on barrel - how?

[PFAK]

Hey guys,
Anybody know how to do the snakeskin finish on a barrel?
Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[CoverDog]

If I remember correctly from what I have read, you put a sticky stencil on the barrel and then bead blast the barrel. When you remove the stencil, where the stencil was, the barrel will be bright and where it was not the barrel will be (frosted) from the bead blasting.

 

[butchlambert]

Bartlien and other barrelmakers ship barrels with an expanded plastic shipping cover. This is what you use when beadblasting.
Butch

 

[Rustystud]

Speedy Gonzales claims a trademark on the snake skin process.

Nat Lambeth

 

[Magnumwill]

I know another way to get the snakeskin finish is by using fish net stockings. Wont hold up to bead blasting but works for paints.

 

[memilanuk]

The barrel netting that Butch mentioned works very well and expands to fit most barrel diameters. You can order rolls of the stuff from places like MSC or just mooch some off a gunsmith who has extra from barrels that have came in.

 

[Eddie Harren]

"Speedy Gonzales claims a trademark on the snake skin process" That's rich!

 

[butchlambert]

You are right Eddie.
Butch

 

[Doug Humbarger]

The "snake skin" looks really good on SS but I think it might look even better blued on a CM barrel.