Cerakote® coating that can withstand harsh conditions even with repeated use for a long period. It creates a smooth, hard surface resistant to chips, dents, dings, and scratches. It is ideal for gun parts, barrels, and other defense equipment subjected to rough handling, as well as many other products and parts, such as fabrics and electronics.

Cerakote has been shown to adhere to almost every metal you can come across, but can you Cerakote stainless steel?

What You Need to Know About Cerakote

Cerakote® is a ceramic-based finish that stands out for its versatility and exceptional performance properties. It can be applied to various materials, including aluminum, steel, glass, plastics, wood, and even some fabrics.

What truly sets Cerakote apart is its unique formulation, which enhances abrasion resistance, corrosion protection, chemical resistance, and flexibility. Cerakote can withstand over 5,000 cycles per mil of abrasion resistance and surpasses thousands of hours of salt spray corrosion testing at just 1 mil thickness. These capabilities translate to durable, long-lasting finishes that can withstand even the most demanding environments.

Can You Cerakote Stainless Steel?

Cerakote is an excellent coating option for stainless steel. Stainless steel and Cerakote bond effectively to form a high-performance, smooth finish. However, proper surface preparation is crucial for achieving optimal adhesion and performance. Before applying Cerakote to stainless steel, ensure the surface is clean, contaminant-free, and properly profiled. This typically involves abrasive blasting to create a textured surface that promotes mechanical bonding.

If the stainless steel surface has been previously plated with materials like nickel or hard chrome, and the plating is peeling or chipped, it must be completely removed before applying Cerakote. This step ensures a clean and stable base to which the coating can adhere.

Cerakote is available in numerous colors, including black, blue, gray, green, white, and red, as well as various finishes like gloss, matte, and satin. This range allows manufacturers and end-users to customize their stainless steel equipment to meet specific aesthetic preferences and functional requirements.

Applying Cerakote on Stainless Steel

The process of applying Cerakote on stainless steel involves:

1. Removing grease, oils, dust, dirt, and other contaminants with a cleaning agent. Contaminants on the surface can interfere with the adhesion of the coating.
2. Inspecting the parts for unwanted surface residues such as corrosion, dents, and scratches that can affect the quality of the coating.
3. Using an abrasive blaster removes rust, old coating, and other residues while creating a rough texture that increases the surface area to enhance bonding. The proper surface preparation promotes adhesion and durability.

10X Engineered Materials EpiX MP abrasive is ideal for removing existing Cerakote. While other abrasives result in a surface closer to a light brown, superoxalloy can help you achieve an extremely clean, white metal finish.

Why You Should Cerakote Stainless Steel 

Stainless steel is known for its corrosion resistance, but it is not impervious to wear and tear. Cerakoting stainless steel provides an additional layer of protection and enhances the performance of stainless steel components in several ways.

• Enhanced abrasion resistance: Cerakote significantly improves the abrasion resistance of stainless steel, reducing scratches and wear in high-use environments.
• Superior corrosion protection: While stainless steel is already corrosion-resistant, Cerakote provides an extra barrier against corrosion and deterioration, especially in harsh chemical environments.
• Customization options: Cerakote offers a wide range of colors and finishes, allowing you to customize the appearance of stainless steel components to meet specific visual requirements.
• Improved performance: Cerakote can improve the overall performance and longevity of stainless steel components.

Count on 10X Engineered Materials for Superior-Quality Abrasives

At 10X Engineered Materials, we understand the importance of properly preparing surfaces for coating application. That’s why we offer a range of biosoluble, highly effective blasting solutions. Our superoxalloy products can help you leave a high-quality finish in your next project. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.