This weekend I had my first experience using real Cerakote. I bought the H series in Barrett Brown and used it to paint a few PSA lowers, and a PSA 11.5in upper. I also painted the slide of my Diamondback DB9 to match the polymer frame. I really like the color, it’s more coyote brown than tan. Compared to the PSA or Magpul FDE it’s darker and more brown. I used a cheap airbrush and then oven baked. It took all day but I’m happy with the result. I hope the durability holds up.
geeze man you were a ceracoating fool there!!! look at all that stuff you did!!! looks great from the photos. I hope it holds up as good as it looks (no reason it shouldnt) the closest i’ve came to ceracoating at home was the spray rattlecan of duracoat, and i also bought the DIY powdercoat kit from like JC whitney or something, and have powder coated a lot of auto parts in the past… it takes forever to prep them though so you dont do a lot of large batches… also have to have a dedicated oven that is not used any longer for food, which im sure yours is the same.
Anyways, your stuff looks great. i cannot wait to see some assembled guns outta that stuff.
@GamecockOperator Thanks for the compliments! I’ll take some pictures after I finish assembly.
Honestly I did use my home oven! Thankfully I don’t have a wife to debate the proper use of kitchen appliances. The oven baking was the easiest part of the whole job. It smelled a little during the baking but left no residue or lingering smell.
Cerakote was a different experience for me because it never truly air dries. As you spray it on you can see the wetness evaporate but it still feels wet and oily almost like molding clay. If you touch it the finish gets damaged and you have to start over. I found the best way is to just hold the paper clip and spray each part one at a time then place them on the drying rack until you transfer them into the oven.
Originally I wasn’t going to do so many magazines but I had a lot of liquid left over to use up. I only made 4 ounces but it sprays on very thin its surprising how much coverage you get.
For those interested there is a great instructional video:
Things that I learned from this:
You need a bunch of acetone maybe a gallon. For soaking, cleanup, and mistakes
To do it right you have to completely disassemble the part
A sandblasting cabinet is needed
Don’t oven bake springs
Anything longer than a 16in barrel probably won’t fit in the residential oven
Get a full face respirator with organic vapor and p99 cartridges
Buy a graduated cylinder for measuring liquid volume
PS: I forgot to mention Cerakote melts certain types of plastic. I tried using a red solo cup it turned into red goo haha
Outstanding job! I’ve never tried my hand at Cerakote, but like the consistency in coloration across everything you’ve done there.
Over the years I actually moved away from Cerakote for two reasons: first, I just couldn’t understand why no two things ever truly matched. Coloration (specifically in my experience, FDE) varied greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. I guess I’m a little OCD and the noticeable difference between say an AR upper and lower would really annoy me; second, the coating never proved as durable as claimed. It would scratch easily and make the affected areas look worse than they actually were. I’m not rough on my stuff in any way so this was frustrating.
I’m not hating on Cerakote here, rather just personally come full circle back to plain old black anodized hardware. Now, if I had your time and ability that might change. There’s a seemingly endless Cerakote color pallette and it really looks cool when done right -as you’ve done.
I agree about the durability. I’m still a bit nervous how the finish will hold up. I guess sandblasting is the key to a good finish.
I also agree with you about the FDE color variations. Even Magpul decided to change their color from gen 2 to gen 3. It’s frustrating that the industry can’t just agree to use a single color. My AR will be a bit of a Frankenstein when it comes to colors but I guess that just gives it some contrast.
I’m certainly no expert but I’m happy with my first try. Some people are true artists when it comes to colors/designs, for me it’s just functionality.
PSA seems to be putting more faith into Cerakote. The new Jakl colors show they are starting to use it on a larger scale. I’m curious if they use a clear coat for protection.
you’re welcome. i cant wait to see the finished photos.
lol about the wife and home oven. i hope your next meal you cook isnt tarnished with ceracoat smell/flavor, or worse, cause you to be sick. I didnt know that ceracoat is never dry in the air… thats new information to me as i’ve never tried to cerakote anything but good to know in the future in case i do. also good to know that a little goes a long way. thanks for the tips and sharing the training video!
