Gunsmithing Cerakote thread.

[bulldog911]

I've been doing cerakote for about 4 years now and have turned out some amazing work. But I'm always looking for more ideas, patterns, how tooos, and share other information/techniques with others.

I keep seeing lots of new stuff like wood grain, differnt textures, and always wanted to know if it's truly cerakote alone or if most people use cerakote just a clear coat now...

Lookong for others that want to share techniques, failures, success. I'm always looking to help others and will do what I can.

 

[bulldog911]

Here's a sample of my work.

 

[kindabitey]

I don't do this as a business, mostly doing my own stuff as a hobby. This is Gun Candy that's mixed with Cerakote C-series gloss clear.

 

[SharpsNitro]

Nice looking work. I have a Cerakote shop and we are in our second year of operation (we are factory certified). For me, it’s all Cerakote, I’ve only used the clear coat on two jobs so far.

 

[M76]

Just a hobby on my own stuff. I have a question though. How hard should Cerakote be to scratch? I have only used the elite series and it does not seem to have held up well against holster wear. I am not a certified applicator but it seems like it is a little soft if you follow the mixing ratios. Any thoughts?

20180722_180408.jpg

• M76
• Sep 4, 2019

20190106_193929.jpg

• M76
• Sep 4, 2019

 

[mudpig]

 

[Easy_E]

I have a friend that wants a fluted barrel black leaving the flutes Stainless . How would you guys go about this ? Asking around I was told to tape down in the flutes then roll a ball bearing with pressure to cut the tape along the flute edge . Will the high temp tape hold up to blasting then coating or should it be remasked ?

 

[M76]

I have a friend that wants a fluted barrel black leaving the flutes Stainless . How would you guys go about this ? Asking around I was told to tape down in the flutes then roll a ball bearing with pressure to cut the tape along the flute edge . Will the high temp tape hold up to blasting then coating or should it be remasked ?

I use a double layer of blue painters tape for blasting and then redo with high temp tape to coat. High temp tape isn't as sticky as painters tape and can come off during blasting.

 

[Easy_E]

I use a double layer of blue painters tape for blasting and then redo with high temp tape to coat. High temp tape isn't as sticky as painters tape and can come off during blasting.

Thanks for the tape tip !
So the edge will look sharp and straight ? May have to flute a scrap barrel to practice on first.

 

[mudpig]

If it's not fluted yet, do the Cerakote first, then flute. Other than that....yes painters tape works pretty good during blasting and makes nice edges.

 

[dang472]

 

[dang472]

I just do it as a hobby as well. Started doing solid color ARs then finally dabbled in the camo this winter. Also got the nerve to paint a Mark 5 and a Razor 2 with air cure. Learned a lot about mixing ratios to get the proper sheen.

 

[__JR__]

Flutes. Use Painters tape. Find a marble or ball bearing. roll it over tape to unmask it.

 

[hino895]

To get a nice straight cut on the tape after you’ve pressed it into the flute use a scalpel it’s rounded edge doesn’t tear the tape like a exacto knife.

 

[bulldog911]

View attachment 7141964

I don't do this as a business, mostly doing my own stuff as a hobby. This is Gun Candy that's mixed with Cerakote C-series gloss clear.

I like that! How does it spray? Never played with the candy as it seems to flashy for me.

 

[bulldog911]

Just a hobby on my own stuff. I have a question though. How hard should Cerakote be to scratch? I have only used the elite series and it does not seem to have held up well against holster wear. I am not a certified applicator but it seems like it is a little soft if you follow the mixing ratios. Any thoughts?

20180722_180408.jpg

• M76
• Sep 4, 2019

20190106_193929.jpg

• M76
• Sep 4, 2019

It's pretty hard stuff honestly. Usually all flaws are with prep work. Did you use the correct mesh filter with elite? It holds up better than the h series I found

 

[bulldog911]

Thanks for the tape tip !
So the edge will look sharp and straight ? May have to flute a scrap barrel to practice on first.

I used blue painter's tape and high temp tape. Painters tape for me didnt peal off as clean as high temp. But the flutes on my barrels or the ones I order are pretty sharp flutes which makes it nice. And then ball bearing it or the handle of a knife.

 

[Easy_E]

LRI

I used blue painter's tape and high temp tape. Painters tape for me didnt peal off as clean as high temp. But the flutes on my barrels or the ones I order are pretty sharp flutes which makes it nice. And then ball bearing it or the handle of a knife.

That looks great hope my attempt turns out that good ! Had to travel out of town but hope to give it a try late next week will post my results .
Thanks for the tips

 

[kindabitey]

I like that! How does it spray? Never played with the candy as it seems to flashy for me.

It sprays just like the clear. The pigment is a very fine powder that mixes with the clear coat. They've got some colors that aren't real flashy, but have a metalic sheen. Pretty simple, if you use the air cure.

 

[M76]

It's pretty hard stuff honestly. Usually all flaws are with prep work. Did you use the correct mesh filter with elite? It holds up better than the h series I found

Yes sir. Ordered the 325 screen directly from Cerakote. How critical are the temps for cure time? Will say 5-10 degrees either way have a major impact on hardness?

 

[Patriot Cerakote]

Yes sir. Ordered the 325 screen directly from Cerakote. How critical are the temps for cure time? Will say 5-10 degrees either way have a major impact on hardness?

I haven’t found any Cerakote product that sensitive to a few degrees. Elite will wear, not as fast as H. It’s still a coating.

 

[Patriot Cerakote]

 

[Patriot Cerakote]

 

[BlkZ06]

I’ve been doing Cerakote for a few years, finally got serious about it and built my own Cerakote oven from a repurposed holding oven. That was really the only cog in the wheel from turning out full guns. Already had the sandblast cabinet spray booth and Sata spray guns from my car restoration hobby.

 

[kirk1902]

does this material,ceradote, protect gun from rust? will it resist wear from riding in a gun rack in a farm truck every day ?

 

[Easy_E]

does this material,ceradote, protect gun from rust? will it resist wear from riding in a gun rack in a farm truck every day ?

 

[kirk1902]

tthanks, i'm convinced!

 

[CaptNemo]

In all fairness, the rife on the left was probably rusty when Remington shipped it.
Just sayin’

 

[JimmyLee]

Looks like the thread is a ghost town but maybe I can bring it back to life with my question? =)

As a Cerakote hobbyist can I paint people's guns as long as the firing pin and bolt are out and not in my possession? What do the Feds say about this?

 

[Patriot Cerakote]

Looks like the thread is a ghost town but maybe I can bring it back to life with my question? =)

As a Cerakote hobbyist can I paint people's guns as long as the firing pin and bolt are out and not in my possession? What do the Feds say about this?

Technically you need a FFL if the individual isn’t present during the process and leaves the firearm with you.

 

[JimmyLee]

Technically you need a FFL if the individual isn’t present during the process and leaves the firearm with you.

Thanks for the reply the ATF finally called me back and yes I need the FFL to do so, so I will get the paint booth built then start the app process =)

 

[Patriot Cerakote]

Thanks for the reply the ATF finally called me back and yes I need the FFL to do so, so I will get the paint booth built then start the app process =)

It’s a really a straight forward process. Just make sure your city, township or county don’t have any restrictions on a home based business like Cerakote. That was the biggest thing ATF was concerned about. Good luck.

 

[JimmyLee]

It’s a really a straight forward process. Just make sure your city, township or county don’t have any restrictions on a home based business like Cerakote. That was the biggest thing ATF was concerned about. Good luck.

We can't do home-based FFL licenses in Washington state anyways. The ATF guy was pretty cool and said it shouldn't take too long if there are no snafus in the paperwork.

 

[Mr.Kirk]

The guncandy can be a pain sometimes, but people like it. I do cerakote for a buddy’s gunshop when jobs pop up.

 

[Wannashootit]

Thanks for the reply the ATF finally called me back and yes I need the FFL to do so, so I will get the paint booth built then start the app process =)

You said you were a Cerakote "hobbyist"- are you going to do this with "livelihood and profit" as the goal-same as gunsmithing?
Or "occasionally" for friends as a hobbyist? Big difference.

If "occasional"- did you explain this to BATFE when you asked the question?

I see no reason the same guidelines that apply to smithing wouldn't apply here.
"Occasional" (yes, it's vague- intentionally so I think) 'smithing on others firearms does not require an FFL provided it is returned to the owner same day, this would include Ckote.

 

[Mike_P]

Kind of a few months old but…

I'm a certified applicator. Been refinishing for almost 12 years with FFL/SOT. Would be happy to help answer any questions if anyone has them.

We have done large scale orders for some well known companies and agencies. In and out of the firearms industry.

 

[jgray]

Kind of a few months old but…

I'm a certified applicator. Been refinishing for almost 12 years with FFL/SOT. Would be happy to help answer any questions if anyone has them.

We have done large scale orders for some well known companies and agencies. In and out of the firearms industry.

Hey Mike, I know this thread is old but I need to try. Do you know what colors to mix to get Spartan Bronze ?

 

[Mike_P]

Hey Mike, I know this thread is old but I need to try. Do you know what colors to mix to get Spartan Bronze ?

Have a picture of what you’re looking for?

Most just use either burnt bronze and add some graphite black or midnight bronze alone.