I had been studying up on the gunkote finishes and they actualy recommend a park type finnish under the coating. I am in the process of building another m-14 for my son and I plan on using the OD gunkote on it. It will be christmas or so before I get to that stage but I will sure post some pics. BTW a freshly beadblasted surface with BC super blue is a real close second to the look of a true park job. It even works on stainless parts like gas cyl. Something to consider if the budget is tight.