Cerakote, guncote......Is it worth it?

Gasitman

Gasitman

Out of work pan handler
Full Member
Minuteman
Aug 7, 2010
149
4
Washington
#1
I really loved my LWRC M6A2 in Tan. I don't have it anymore and I have a Daniel Defense now but hate the black. I have found where it would be around $200-$300 to get the gun cerakoted. However on some other sites they recommend guncote instead.

What is the difference, does it take away from the value of the rifle, or add to it, and where is a good place that knows what they are doing and do it right?
 
#6
Re: Cerakote, guncote......Is it worth it?

I have applied both on numerous rifles. I couldn't say anything bad about either of these products. I pretty much exclusively use gunkote now simply because it's cheaper. It holds up just as well as Cerakote. Is it worth it? I don't like having to oil my guns immediately after using them, if it's raining, or in the snow. With gunkote, I can just throw it in the bag and clean it when I clean it without worrying about rust.
 
#9
Re: Cerakote, guncote......Is it worth it?

If the job is done well it will not reduce the value of the gun, though if you end up banging the finish up, it will show more than with a standard 'blued' finish. A blued finish can be touched up pretty easily by a user. But a lousy job WILL reduce the value somewhat, but that is pretty obvious. Unless you are talking something vintage or rare, a good quality paint job will not detract from the value.
 
#12
Re: Cerakote, guncote......Is it worth it?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: litotes15</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is there any big difference between the cerakote and high heat spray paints you get from brownells?</div></div>

I can't speak about the Brownell's high heat paints, but I've dealt with high heat OTC paints such as engine paint, caliper paint, and grill paint. The drawback to those is that they are generally not very solvent resistant.

Gunkote is pretty much permanent. Common solvents such as kerosene, gasoline, brake cleaner, acetone, and denatured alcohol won't remove it. I believe Cerakote is similarly solvent-resistant.

I like Gunkote because Brownells carries it in a rattle can, so I can do it myself without worrying about an airbrush.

If you DIY, make absolutely sure your parts are thoroughly degreased. Ideally, you should disassemble the rifle as much as possible. On an AR, that means removing the barrel, forward assist, dust cover, etc. The reason is that oil and grease hide in those areas. When you go to bake the rifle, that oil will seep out, contaminating the finish which can result in premature failure.
 
#13
Re: Cerakote, guncote......Is it worth it?

Cerakote is not just a paint. It is more like a ceramic coating. Not like a ceramic coffee cup, but it is more than just a baked on paint.

High temperature paints like exhaust manifold paint, are much different than the baked on paint finishes for firearms. The baked on firearms paint finishes are far more resistant to chemicals than rattle can high temperature paints.
 
#14
Re: Cerakote, guncote......Is it worth it?

Cerakote is worth it. I have it on my bolt and it's still coated. Watch the video of lowlight banging one of the rifle around with cerakote.... it should convince you.
 
#15
Re: Cerakote, guncote......Is it worth it?

I've used hitemp ceramic header paint on my Surefire can. It matched the finish perfectly, never peeled or bubbled; even on full auto. Never came off w/ cleanning solvents either. Only draw back is; it comes only in black.
 
#17
Re: Cerakote, guncote......Is it worth it?

Perfect... Thank you for the feedback. I will skip the half ass DIY and do it right the first time. Worth the money and save me a headache
 
#19
Re: Cerakote, guncote......Is it worth it?

I don't think you could go wrong with either one really. If you use Cerakote make sure you consider where you are applying it. My understanding is that the high temp Cerakote stuff is used for areas that will be heating up. Don't know much about Gunkote. Personally for this and other reasons are why I let the experts do my Cerakoting. But then again I'm all thumbs when it comes to these kinds of things.
 
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