Firearm Cerakote Coatings

Cerakote is a ceramic-based finish designed for durability and protection, applicable to various firearm materials including metal, plastic, polymer, and wood. Originally developed in the 1990s for the aerospace and military sectors, Cerakote has since become a popular choice among gun owners for its ability to provide a customizable, protective finish.

Cerakote forms a thin, yet strong, ceramic coating that bonds at a molecular level to the surface of the firearm. This results in a finish that is significantly more durable and corrosion-resistant than traditional bluing or paint. With a wide range of color options and the ability to layer for unique patterns, Cerakote is a versatile choice for firearm customization.

Extremely durable and resistant to abrasion

Superior corrosion protection

High-temperature resistance up to 1800°F

Available in a variety of colors, including IR options

Suitable for most firearm materials including metal, polymer, and wood

Adds a custom, personalized look to your firearm

The Cerakoting process begins with thorough cleaning and preparation of the firearm parts, followed by the application of several thin layers of Cerakote. The parts are then cured in an oven, hardening the Cerakote to create a tough, long-lasting ceramic coating. When applied properly and cared for, a Cerakote finish can protect and enhance the appearance of your firearm for years to come.

When compared to traditional finishes like bluing, parkerizing, and paints, Cerakote stands out in several key areas:

Bluing involves a chemical reaction that creates a thin oxide layer on steel, offering minimal protection against corrosion and wear. Over time, bluing wears off with use. In contrast, Cerakote forms a much thicker, more durable ceramic layer that resists corrosion, abrasion, and oils. Unlike bluing, Cerakote can be applied to a variety of materials, including aluminum and polymer, and offers a wide range of colors.

Parkerizing is a phosphate etching process that provides moderate corrosion resistance but limited protection against wear and abrasion. It is restricted to certain materials and lacks color variety. Cerakote, on the other hand, offers better wear resistance, a broader color palette, and can be applied to multiple materials.

Enamel paints are prone to chipping, scratching, and wear, and they offer limited corrosion protection. Cerakote's ceramic coating is far more resilient, providing superior protection and durability.

Duracoat is another popular firearm finish similar to Cerakote. Both offer excellent corrosion and abrasion resistance, can be applied to various materials, and come in a wide range of colors. Duracoat is easier for DIY applications and has a slight edge in corrosion resistance. However, Cerakote is more resistant to scratching and environmental extremes.

Cerakote generally outperforms other common firearm finishes in terms of durability, corrosion resistance, longevity, and appearance, making it a top choice for protecting and customizing firearms.

Cerakote is highly valued for its ability to protect firearms from the elements and everyday wear and tear. The key properties that make Cerakote an effective protective finish include:

Cerakote offers excellent abrasion resistance, preventing scratches, scuffs, and wear from regular use. Its ceramic compounds provide a surface hardness of 9H on the Rockwell scale, far surpassing traditional finishes like bluing and parkerizing. This toughness ensures that Cerakote maintains its protective finish over countless uses.

Additionally, Cerakote's fully cured ceramic polymer coating is highly resistant to corrosion. It withstands exposure to solvents, oils, cleaning chemicals, and salt spray, exceeding 800 hours of salt spray testing per ASTM B117 standards. This corrosion resistance protects the underlying metal parts from rust, pitting, and other damage.

Beyond abrasion resistance, Cerakote boasts excellent hardness and durability. Its 9H hardness and 5B adhesion strength make it extremely resistant to scratches, nicks, and scuffs, even in harsh conditions. As a ceramic coating bonded to the firearm's surface, Cerakote remains intact and maintains its finish despite exposure to chemicals, solvents, and impacts. With proper application, Cerakote can extend the life of a firearm's surface for years.

Overall, Cerakote's outstanding abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance, and durability make it an effective protective finish for all types of firearm parts. These properties help maintain the firearm's reliability and performance, making Cerakote a preferred choice for gun owners looking to protect their valuable investments.