Applying a mat finish to a rifle

Freezer

The 980 Marlin project has been fighting me the entire way. I had bought a can of Dura Coat to finish the Mauser project, the can said it was good up to 4 weeks after activation. It sat under my bench for three weeks before the 980 was ready. It didn't take well, the coating is soft and can be scraped off. Now I have to refinish it again. I'm tempted to spray paint it but hate the idea. Having it Ceracoated will cost at least $100 I already have more in this gun than what it's worth. I'm considering Oxpho Blue since I have plenty in stock and have had great results. How can I achieve a mat finish on this rifle with Opho Blue? Re-sand it down with 220 grit paper? 

Big Al1

Try using a Scotch bright pad. They come in different grits and don't wear out like sand paper, and won't leave scratches. Or bead blast it!

Wambli Ska

Get a can of Alumahyde.  Works great, almost impossible to screw up and if you give it sufficient time to cure it’ll be about as tough a finish as you’ll ever need.

Freezer

I've been researching a lot of coatings and Alumahyde seems to be the most appropriate for the money. It does have a lot of bad reviews for the poor spray pattern and nozzles that clog. It also takes a week to cure, which means I need to do it in my shed, since the shop can be dusty. The temps have been low here, so If I use the shed, I'll have to wait a month or two. I'll be flipping the coin on this one. BTW spray paint is out, it doesn't resist cleaning solvent.