How Long Does Cerakote Last?
Cerakote is a ceramic-based finish that can be applied in a wide variety of colors and patterns. It protects firearms from corrosion, withstands abrasion and comes with an added layer of resistance to scratches.
It has been tested and rated for durability, chemical/corrosion protection, scratch resistance, and heat stability. It is also easy to clean and maintain.
The Best Gun Coating Available
When it comes to gun coatings Cerakote stands head and shoulders above the rest. Developed by NIC Industries, Cerakote is an extremely high quality finish that offers incredible protection for guns and gun-related components. It is extremely resistant to abrasion, impact, corrosion and heat. Some types of Cerakote can even withstand temperatures over 900 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods of time.
In addition to its extreme durability, Cerakote is easy to clean and available in a wide range of colors. It’s also relatively inexpensive compared to other firearm finishes such as bluing or nickel-plating.
Additionally, unlike powder coat which requires baking, some Cerakote variants such as the “C” or “H” series can be applied to products that aren’t suitable for the oven. This makes them an excellent choice for consumer products, stocks and polymer components that don’t always need to be baked in a furnace.
Extreme Corrosion Resistance
Cerakote has the best corrosion resistance of any coating available. This is especially true when it comes to the high-temperature formulas. The V Series, for example, requires no baking and can withstand temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit without cracking, melting or degrading the paint. This is a perfect option for firearms, stocks and polymer components.
Another great benefit of Cerakote is its flexibility. Using the ASTM B117 Salt Spray test (5% Salt Concentration, 90F Temp) Cerakote lasted over 385 hours when KG Gunkote and Duracoat started to show signs of rust.
A Cerakote coating can resist almost anything – including harsh chemicals, impact scratches and gouging. It’s also abrasion resistant and offers excellent flexibility. All of these characteristics contribute to its extreme durability. To see how it stands up to the elements, watch this 15 month time-lapse video showing how a Cerakote coated bolt-action rifle survives the Pacific Northwest weather.
Extreme Durability
Cerakote can withstand extremely harsh environmental conditions, and has been tested against abrasion, impact and scratch resistance, chemical penetration, heat stability, and much more. It’s also easy to clean and comes in a variety of different colors.
The only thing that can decrease the durability of your firearm’s Cerakote finish is excessive humidity. Moisture promotes corrosion and can cause the finish to degrade faster, leading to premature wear. Regular inspections and cleaning can help minimize the effects of humidity, as well as ensure the coating is intact and in good condition.
Proper surface preparation is the key to ensuring your Cerakote lasts as long as possible. This includes degreasing and sanding to remove all contaminants before applying the coats, as well as masking off areas that don’t need Cerakote, such as threads, action parts and controls. Lastly, the proper spraying and curing process is essential to achieving durable finishes. This includes flash curing between coats, and baking for an optimal cure time of 2 hours.
Extreme Customization
Cerakote can be applied to almost anything, including metals, plastics and polymers, wood and fiberglass. Different series require different preparation and curing procedures, but the H-series is ideal for firearm applications due to its superior abrasion, impact, scratch and chemical resistance as well as its UV stability.
Firearms coated in Cerakote are less prone to thermal distortion after extended use, which improves their functionality and appearance. A Cerakote finish also helps reduce the amount of light reflected off a pistol, which increases its stealthiness.
For fishing reels and rods, Cerakote provides world-class corrosion protection, wear resistance, chemical resistance and durability. It is impervious to common disinfectants and commercial strength cleaners, which prolongs the life of your equipment.
Whether you are working on a classic hot rod, refurbishing your grandfather’s old rifle or restoring the bike you used as a kid, a performance-based ceramic coating can breathe new life into any restoration project. The pro applicators at Lone Star Gunsmithing and Cerakote can get your gear protected and looking good for years to come.
