Have you ever looked at your AK and wanted that real wood look but you didn’t buy the real wood version? Its ok, today AAF is going to show you how to do an AK paint upgrade. So if you have some free time, and about $20 lets get right into it.

Before you start you will need the following items: airsoft AK-47 (we sell them), black spray paint, clear spray paint, 80 grit and 400 grit sand paper, a screw driver, small zip lock bags, cardboard to spray paint on, and a small blow torch (optional).

Step 1: Start by removing the base plate from the gun stock. Next remove the screws from the stock that hold it to the body, one on the top and two on the under side. Now place them in a zip lock bag labeled stock. Now slowly pull the stock away from the body.

Next, remove the screw at the base of the pistol grip, then place it in a separate zip lock bag labeled grip screw. Now move to the ramrod and remove it. To do this just pull it away from the barrel and then pull forward.

Once it is out just place it to the side. Now remove the screw at the center of the gas tube then place in a zip lock bag labeled gas tube.

Now slide the gas tube towards the front sight. This will release the top of the hand guard.

Now slide the lower metal plate holding the hand grip forward. This will let you take off the lower hand grip.

Now that you have all of your parts off the gun, begin sanding them with the 80 grit sand paper. Just a light sand of the parts so that the paint will stick evenly.

OPTIONAL: Use the small blow torch to add defects like wood knots to make it look more realistic. Small blasts of about 3 seconds each on the same spot will do the trick. The parts may light on fire if you blow torch them for too long so keep it short, if they do catch on fire, blow them out quickly.

Once you complete this you are now ready to sand. In the picture below are the sanded parts.

*Key tip: Use some paper towels to wipe off any and all excess dust.

Next, place your parts on the cardboard and space them out evenly. Place the stock and the grip on their side then place the fore grips so that they stand up.  Now start shaking your black spray paint. After about 5 full minutes start by spraying off to the side to get your aim down. I added a picture of how your spray should look. Not too shiny because that means you are over spraying. You want it to look like the top circle in the picture.

Now your ready to start spraying. Spray them evenly.

Time to play the waiting game and let your parts dry completely.

The best bet is to go inside and watch two or three episodes of Attack On Titan or your favorite show. Wait about an hour before you test the dryness of the parts. When you are ready just flip the grip and stock and then paint and wait again.

Almost done!

Now grab some 80 grit sand paper and lightly remove some black paint. Once you start seeing the original plastic wood move on to the next area.

*Key tip: lightly sand your parts, you don’t want to take off too much paint

Now that you are getting close to the original plastic wood switch to the 400 grit sand paper and sand the parts to your liking.

Now it’s time to paint. Just do the same thing as last time using your clear coat this time.

All done? Time to re-assemble!

Start with the front first then work your way to the back.

First up the lower fore grip. Place the lower fore grip in place then slide the small metal bracket back to hold it in place.

Now the top fore grip, place it in position and slide the gas tube back to hold it in place. Now use the screw in the bag labeled gas tube and screw it in. Lastly reinsert the ram rod under the barrel.

Now move to the rear of the gun and place the stock back onto the body of the gun. Use the screws in the bag labeled stock.

Lastly place the grip back in place then use the screw labeled grip.

All done!

As you can see in the side by side picture below, this upgrade makes your AK a little darker and it also takes away that plastic shine giving it a more rough and realistic look. If you tried the small blow torch option on your AK you will have a truly custom look on your weapon. Thanks for reading, and remember to sign up at the bottom of the page for the raffle and take the 3 question survey.

Raffle Update: We are now at 16, so keep them coming airsofters! Tell your friends and family!