How to Apply Cerakote

Cerakote® ceramic coating can be applied to metal, wood, plastics, and polymers. It results in a tougher and more corrosion-resistant finish than paint, bluing, and other finishes. The Cerakote application process involves carefully cleaning and preparing the parts, applying thin, even passes to achieve the target dry-film thickness (DFT), which varies by series; the targets are typically (H ≈ 1–2 mil; Elite ≈ 0.6–1.1 mil). With the right surface prep, application, and maintenance, the finish can maintain the aesthetic appeal of your parts for years to come.

Step-by-Step Process of Cerakote Application

Although Cerakote is designed to be applied by professionals with the proper training and equipment, here is a step-by-step process for how Cerakote is applied:

1. Disassembly: Detail strip your item and photograph all the parts for accurate inventory. Note down the material type of each component, such as aluminum, steel, plastic, etc.
2. Degreasing: Using latex or nitrile gloves, soak metallic parts in a cleaner such as acetone for 20-30 minutes, then let them air dry. Wipe down substrates such as plastics, fiberglass, and carbon fiber with a lint-free cloth dipped in wax or grease remover.
3. Sandblasting: Sandblast the parts using the appropriate blasting media. Epix MP blasting media is approved for use by Cerakote®, leaving a clean blast profile with minimal media embedment for a superior finish.
4. Racking: Hang or fixture the parts so you can access all the surface areas when spraying. Use metal hooks for larger parts and thin wire for small parts.
5. Gas out: Heat parts in a convection oven to evaporate remaining solvents from the degreasing stage and draw out trapped oils and contaminants. Heat metal parts at 300°F (149°C) and non-metal substrates at  150˚-180˚F (65˚-82˚C)  for 60 minutes.
6. Spraying: Spray using an HVLP/LVLP spray gun with a 0.8mm tip in a well-ventilated booth, wearing a respirator, protective gloves, and safety glasses. Agitate the Cerakote frequently throughout the application process and allow parts to sit for at least 15 minutes before curing. Throw away unused catalyzed Cerakote and clean any spray gun parts.
7. Curing: Put the item in the oven and let the parts air dry for at least 24 hours before contact. The oven temperature and time depend on the particular series of Cerakote being used.
8. Inspection: Inspect the item to ensure it has the desired look, texture, and coating thickness.

Common mistakes include spraying too heavily and creating runs and thin spots. To know if you’re spraying too heavily, a good practice is to spray and cure a few screws and nuts. If you can screw the nut without difficulty, you’re good to go.

For runs and thin spots, start spraying from the most challenging sections to the easier ones and adjust the PSI settings to match H-Series 20-25 PSI and Elite Series 25-30 PSI.

What Equipment Do I Need to Apply Cerakote?

Here is a list of the professional equipment that we recommend to get you started in applying Cerakote:

• Powder-free latex gloves
• PPE (personal protective equipment)
• Degreasing and cleaning solvent
• Degreasing tank
• Sand blasting media ( EpiX-MP abrasive)
• Sandblasting cabinet
• Cerakote hook kit
• HVLP spray gun (0.8 tip)
• IWATA spray gun cleaning kit
• Spray booth
• Cerakote mil thickness gauge
• Curing oven
• Air compressor
• Water trap
• Air hose

Why Surface Preparation Is Critical for Cerakote Performance

Proper preparation ensures the coating adheres effectively to the substrate. Sanding facilitates adhesion by providing the Cerakote with more texture to latch onto. The preparation process contributes to over 95% of the quality of the finished product. The key considerations for best results include:

• Removing oils and grease: These residues can interfere with the adhesion of the Cerakote, so it’s essential to thoroughly clean and degrease parts to ensure a contamination-free surface.
• Inspection and repair: Imperfections such as dents, scratches, and corrosion can affect the quality of the final coating. Repair and sand down imperfections to create a smooth surface for better coating adhesion and uniform finish. Creating this uniform texture is known as surface profiling.

Abrasive Blasting for Cerakote Application

When you choose an abrasive that’s compatible with your application, the sandblasting process removes contaminants, old coatings, rust, imperfections, and creates a rough texture that enhances the Cerakote bond. EpiX-MP from 10X Engineered Materials works faster and better than other abrasives, like Aluminum Oxide, to deliver a white and clean finish.

Quick tips:

• Adjust the blasting pressure according to your equipment.
• Remove blaster debris from your parts.
• Avoid powdered gloves after blasting.
• Before blasting, ensure parts are dry and free of oils and grease.

Cerakote Properties and Industry Applications

Cerakote protects tools and equipment against harsh conditions. The main properties that make the coating effective include:

• Abrasion resistance: Cerakote has a Rockwell scale surface hardness of 9h, helping it resist wear from repeated use and exposure.
• Corrosion resistance: Cerakote exceeds 800 hours of salt spray testing and does not react to solvents, oils, and cleaning chemicals.
• Heat resistance: Cerakote withstands temperatures up to around 1,800°F without degrading.
• Versatility: Cerakote offers a variety of colors and series, making it easy to customize to match your specific needs.

Cerakote coatings are used across various industries, including firearms, automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, and equipment.

Choose Superoxalloy Abrasives for Cerakote Success

Superoxalloy abrasives are excellent for Cerakote application. They are tempered, tough, reusable, and biosoluble and create less dust, making them safer for the environment and workers. Many customers who apply Cerakote® use EpiX-MP to prepare surfaces before application and remove previous Cerakote® coatings without damaging the substrate.

Call us at 888-707-5034 for technical support on the best blasting media for your application and how to achieve consistent, high-quality Cerakote results. Shop EpiX blast media directly from our website and distributors, or fill out our contact form to request a sample.