Below you will find answers to the questions we get asked the most regarding our process and Cerakote.
What is the Cerakote process?
STEP 1: INITIAL CONTACTWe can be reached by phone or email to discuss the item(s) you would like to have Cerakote applied to and to schedule a meeting in person at our shop to bring your item in. We can meet with you on a walk-in basis, but please be aware that there might be a wait time involved in cases where we are in the middle of the coating process or if we are meeting with another customer at the time of your arrival.
Note: Many of our customers already have an idea of color(s) and/or design they would prefer. But no worries, if you are not sure of what color(s) or design you would like, we review this with you during our meeting-see Step 2. Please know that we can provide a price quote, this is simply an estimate until we are able to see your item and review goals during Step 2.
STEP 2: IN PERSON CONSULTATION
ITEM CHECK IN: Bring your item into our shop to check it in – there is an additional charge if you would like us to disassemble/reassemble your item. We are glad to do this for you, but you may bring your item(s) already disassembled if you prefer.
Note: If you are bringing in a firearm piece with a serial number, please make sure to bring your drivers license, as your item must be checked in according to ATF guidelines. During this meeting we discuss your goals in further detail, including color / pattern preferences, and for firearms-what part or parts of your firearm you would like coated.
COLOR AND DESIGN CHOICE: Don’t know what color(s) you want? No worries! We have the Cerakote color swatches to choose from. If you want a design but not quite sure what you want exactly, we will direct you to check out the photo gallery on Cerakote.com website for ideas.
PRICE QUOTE: Once we determine the part(s) you want coated, the color(s), and in some cases-pattern/design, we will provide a quote for cost of services – Note: please know that a 5.5% sales tax will be added to the total price of services.
REVIEW OF EXTERNAL DAMAGES/IMPERFECTIONS: During this step, we also review any external damages/imperfections on your item and discuss these with you. Note: For items we are asked to disassemble, we continue this review for internal damages/imperfections during the disassembly phase and will notify you of any issues found prior to the coating process.
REVIEW OF ESTAMATED TIME OF COMPLETION: We will determine and inform you of the anticipated time it will take to complete your project inform you of an estimated time of completion.
STEP 3: PREPARATION
DISASSEMBLY AND EXAMINATION: Items, such as firearms, need to be completely disassembled. This includes all pins, screws, nuts, and springs. We will examine these parts and make note of any parts that are not in good working order and will notify you to discuss any noted issues.
CLEANING: All parts that will receive a coating of Cerakote will either be submersed into a solution of water and Simple Green or thoroughly wiped down with acetone. The purpose of this is to remove any residue, dirt, grease, oil, or grime to ensure proper adhesion when Cerakote is applied.
PLUGGING AND MASKING: We use special plugs and tape to plug and mask off any holes or tight tolerance areas to ensure these are not altered by the sandblasting process or application of Cerakote. Tight tolerance areas can be impacted by even the extremely thin coating of Cerakote. Note: if you know of certain places on your item that would likely have a tolerance problem, let us know during our consultation, so we can ensure these areas are masked off.
SANDBLASTING: Items sandblasted with an aluminum oxide media to remove other coatings and lightly etch the surface of the substrate for adhesion of the Cerakote product.
STEP 4: COATING PROCESS
MIXING: The Cerakote is mixed following specific formulas indicated by the Cerakote manufacturer.
APPLICATION: Using a spray gun, each part is carefully coated utilizing Cerakote’s special standards of application.
CURING: After Cerakote has been applied the item is placed into an oven to cure for 1-2 hours. The high temperature C Series- air cures for five days.
PATTERNS AND DESIGNS: The process for patterns and designs is more involved. The first color is applied hung for 15 minutes, then par baked in the oven for 15 minutes, removed and cooled. The first layer of stencils are carefully applied and the next color is applied. This process repeats with each layer of stencils. After the final color is applied, the item is placed into the oven for another 15 minutes and then removed, cooled and the stencils are removed. The item is then placed back into the oven for a final 1-2 hour curing time.
The price point is of course higher and can vary depending on the complexity of the design. However, you will have a unique, one-of-a-kind piece to showcase.
Note: Many of our customers already have an idea of color(s) and/or design they would prefer. But no worries, if you are not sure of what color(s) or design you would like, we review this with you during our meeting-see Step 2. Please know that we can provide a price quote, this is simply an estimate until we are able to see your item and review goals during Step 2.
STEP 2: IN PERSON CONSULTATION
ITEM CHECK IN: Bring your item into our shop to check it in – there is an additional charge if you would like us to disassemble/reassemble your item. We are glad to do this for you, but you may bring your item(s) already disassembled if you prefer.
Note: If you are bringing in a firearm piece with a serial number, please make sure to bring your drivers license, as your item must be checked in according to ATF guidelines. During this meeting we discuss your goals in further detail, including color / pattern preferences, and for firearms-what part or parts of your firearm you would like coated.
COLOR AND DESIGN CHOICE: Don’t know what color(s) you want? No worries! We have the Cerakote color swatches to choose from. If you want a design but not quite sure what you want exactly, we will direct you to check out the photo gallery on Cerakote.com website for ideas.
PRICE QUOTE: Once we determine the part(s) you want coated, the color(s), and in some cases-pattern/design, we will provide a quote for cost of services – Note: please know that a 5.5% sales tax will be added to the total price of services.
REVIEW OF EXTERNAL DAMAGES/IMPERFECTIONS: During this step, we also review any external damages/imperfections on your item and discuss these with you. Note: For items we are asked to disassemble, we continue this review for internal damages/imperfections during the disassembly phase and will notify you of any issues found prior to the coating process.
REVIEW OF ESTAMATED TIME OF COMPLETION: We will determine and inform you of the anticipated time it will take to complete your project inform you of an estimated time of completion.
STEP 3: PREPARATION
DISASSEMBLY AND EXAMINATION: Items, such as firearms, need to be completely disassembled. This includes all pins, screws, nuts, and springs. We will examine these parts and make note of any parts that are not in good working order and will notify you to discuss any noted issues.
CLEANING: All parts that will receive a coating of Cerakote will either be submersed into a solution of water and Simple Green or thoroughly wiped down with acetone. The purpose of this is to remove any residue, dirt, grease, oil, or grime to ensure proper adhesion when Cerakote is applied.
PLUGGING AND MASKING: We use special plugs and tape to plug and mask off any holes or tight tolerance areas to ensure these are not altered by the sandblasting process or application of Cerakote. Tight tolerance areas can be impacted by even the extremely thin coating of Cerakote. Note: if you know of certain places on your item that would likely have a tolerance problem, let us know during our consultation, so we can ensure these areas are masked off.
SANDBLASTING: Items sandblasted with an aluminum oxide media to remove other coatings and lightly etch the surface of the substrate for adhesion of the Cerakote product.
STEP 4: COATING PROCESS
MIXING: The Cerakote is mixed following specific formulas indicated by the Cerakote manufacturer.
APPLICATION: Using a spray gun, each part is carefully coated utilizing Cerakote’s special standards of application.
CURING: After Cerakote has been applied the item is placed into an oven to cure for 1-2 hours. The high temperature C Series- air cures for five days.
PATTERNS AND DESIGNS: The process for patterns and designs is more involved. The first color is applied hung for 15 minutes, then par baked in the oven for 15 minutes, removed and cooled. The first layer of stencils are carefully applied and the next color is applied. This process repeats with each layer of stencils. After the final color is applied, the item is placed into the oven for another 15 minutes and then removed, cooled and the stencils are removed. The item is then placed back into the oven for a final 1-2 hour curing time.
The price point is of course higher and can vary depending on the complexity of the design. However, you will have a unique, one-of-a-kind piece to showcase.
Will Cerakote cover scratches?
Cerakote is so thin that it will not hide defects. Some fine superficial scratches can be corrected through the sandblasting process. However, Cerakote will not mask more significant defects such as deeper scratches or pitting from rust. Additionally, engraving will show through the coating.
Will Cerakote chip?
Cerakote is durable but not invincible. Under certain circumstances the finish can be damaged just like other finishes. For example, if your item is dropped, damage can occur at the point of impact, but it will not continue to chip and peel as some other finishes are prone to do.
Can Cerakote be applied to plastic?
Yes, Cerakote can be applied to any plastic/polymer that is able to withstand the prepping and curing process. Since plastics/polymers are a softer substrate, a less aggressive approach is taken during the coating process in comparison to the process used for metal substrates. A lower pressure PSI is used during the sandblasting phase and over temperatures are lower to cure the coating and preserve the integrity of the item.
Why Cerakote a gun?
Simply put, Cerakote is a durable product that protects your investment! Cerakote is extremely resistant to corrosion and ordinary wear and tear. It is also resistant to chemicals used to clean firearms.
Is Cerakote durable?
Yes, Cerakote is extremely durable. However, under certain conditions it can be damaged like any other coating or finish. Proper care of your item is key to ensuring the longevity of the coating.
Is Cerakote heat resistant?
The C-Series is Cerakote’s High Temperature Coating. This product can withstand temperatures of over 2000 degrees. This product requires air curing.
The V Series is also a High Temperature Coating which can withstand temperatures of 1800 degrees. This product requires oven curing.
Common uses for the high temperature coatings are for automotive and motorcycle components such as exhaust systems and engine components such as headers, manifolds, and turbos.
The High Temperature products will not discolor or distort under high heat. In addition, these products improve performance of engine components by acting as a thermal barrier, allowing heat to be effectively dispersed and released.
The V Series is also a High Temperature Coating which can withstand temperatures of 1800 degrees. This product requires oven curing.
Common uses for the high temperature coatings are for automotive and motorcycle components such as exhaust systems and engine components such as headers, manifolds, and turbos.
The High Temperature products will not discolor or distort under high heat. In addition, these products improve performance of engine components by acting as a thermal barrier, allowing heat to be effectively dispersed and released.
IS THERE A Cerakote color to match bluing?
Bluing colors can vary depending on the manufacturer. However, a couple of options that come closest to mimicking bluing are Cerakote H-245 SOCCOM Blue or H-238 Midnight Blue.
Is Cerakote like powder coating?
No. Cerakote is much thinner than powder coating; is resistant to chipping, peeling and flaking; and performs better under high heat conditions (particularly the High Temperature C-Series and V-Series.)
Though powder coating is beneficial for some applications, due to its thickness, it is never recommended for use on firearms as it can interfere greatly with tight tolerances.
Though powder coating is beneficial for some applications, due to its thickness, it is never recommended for use on firearms as it can interfere greatly with tight tolerances.
iS Cerakote or Hydro dip BETTER?
Cerakote improves the durability of your item and can also be used to create an eye-catching one-of-a-kind piece. On the other hand, the hydro dip (otherwise known as Hydrographics) process is used primarily for aesthetics by creating intricate designs and patterns and does not offer the protection and durability that Cerakote does.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
If you have a question that you do not see on this page, we invite you to reach out to us at:
[email protected] or 715-919-1366
If you have a question that you do not see on this page, we invite you to reach out to us at:
[email protected] or 715-919-1366
