Cerakote For AR Rifles
Cerakote is a ceramic-based epoxy coating that’s sprayed on and then baked, or “cured.” It can be applied in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including popular camouflage options like MultiCam.
Cliff Diseker at Lonestar Gunsmithing and Cerakote in Princeton, Texas starts the process by degreasing the gun’s components in a blast cabinet. They then apply a stencil to the large pieces, partially reassembling them so that they match the pattern.
Durability
Cerakote has proven to be more durable than anodizing and many other firearm finishes. It consistently wins in durability, lubricity and heat resistance tests. The ceramic compounds that make up cerakote have surface hardness 9h on the Rockwell scale, which is significantly harder than steel. This makes it a very strong protective coating that can withstand thousands of holstering/unholstering cycles.
Cerkote can be sprayed in multiple layers and can be textured with different patterns to create unique designs. It can even be made to be hydrophobic, meaning that mud and other debris will roll right off of it.
While paint is a great way to personalize your gun, cerakote adds more room for customization by allowing you to choose from a wide variety of colors and finishes. It can also be applied with a pattern to create your own camo design or go completely classic with Flat Dark Earth (FDE). It is important that your gun parts are cleaned, degreased and sanded before applying cerakote. The process involves spraying a thick ceramic coating onto your gun and then heating it to cure.
Scratch Resistance
Cerakote is much harder than standard enamel paints and offers more abrasion resistance. It can be applied to a variety of surfaces including metal, wood, plastic and polymer. It is available in a wide range of colors and can be layered to produce patterns. It also provides excellent corrosion and chemical resistance.
Like anodizing, cerakoting is highly customizable. You can choose almost any color, pattern or design and create a one-of-a-kind look for your AR rifle. Some cerakote coatings can even help improve gun function by reducing friction between moving parts.
However, it is important to note that cerakoting is not as easy to do as anodizing and requires the services of a certified applicator. The process includes careful cleaning, degreasing and sanding before it can be applied. It is also important to follow the correct application and cure times. This is why it is recommended to entrust the task to a professional. Cerakote is more expensive than anodizing and takes more time to apply.
Corrosion Resistant
Cerakote is able to withstand the harsh elements that can damage and corrode other gun finishes. It is also highly resistant to abrasion and scratching. This makes it ideal for firearms that are used in wet or humid environments.
When compared to traditional blueing, cerakote resists corrosion significantly better and offers superior heat tolerance. It is a great alternative to anodizing, and can be applied in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Additionally, cerakote acts as a natural lubricant. This can help reduce the amount of gun lubricant required on your weapon and may help improve accuracy. It also helps to reduce friction between components such as the bolt carrier group and upper receiver. If you’re looking for a premium look that doesn’t break the bank, contact 80% Arms to get your AR-15 lower receiver cerakoted today!
Easy to Clean
Cerakote is very easy to clean, especially with the use of solvents and lint-free cloths. It’s also much slicker than anodizing, which can help reduce the friction between parts and potentially improve performance and accuracy.
You’ll need to thoroughly clean your firearm before applying any Cerakote. This is important, especially if you’re planning to apply a stencil design. Make sure to use a degreaser such as acetone, and work in a well-ventilated area. You should also sand any areas that will be coated, and wear gloves.
You can purchase a DIY kit to coat your own parts, but it’s not recommended unless you have experience. There are a lot of steps to take, and mistakes can be costly. For this reason, it’s best to leave the application of the finish to a professional Cerakote applicator. This will save you money in the long run. It will also ensure that your finish is applied correctly and lasts longer.
