Can You Cerakote Over Cerakote?

Cerakote® is a high-performance ceramic coating. Whether fixing an old rifle, restoring a vintage car, or rebuilding a motorcycle, you may come across the opportunity to apply new Cerakote over old Cerakote.

Can you Cerakote over Cerakote? The answer is yes, but it helps to understand Cerakote’s properties and how to practice proper surface preparation. This quick guide provides the knowledge and techniques to achieve optimal results when Cerakoting over Cerakote.

Cerakote 101

Cerakote is a single-coat, ceramic-polymer hybrid coating that is ultra-thin, easy to apply, and cost-effective. Its unique formulation provides superior resistance to abrasion, corrosion, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. This makes it ideal for various applications, including firearms, automotive parts, industrial equipment, and consumer electronics.

This coating offers hundreds of unique colors held to a consistency standard of Delta E of 1 or less. Cerakote contains no heavy metals or volatile organic compounds, making it a sustainable solution. Cerakote also meets the performance and functionality requirements of CARC coatings.

Several Cerakote series cater to different needs. The H Series is a popular all-around choice, offering a balance of durability and color options. The E Series provides enhanced chemical and corrosion resistance, while the C Series is designed for high-temperature applications where oven curing is not feasible.

Understanding which Cerakote series was initially applied is crucial when considering recoating, as compatibility can affect the outcome.

Can You Cerakote Over Cerakote?

Even the most durable coatings eventually show signs of wear — Cerakote is no exception. Recoating becomes necessary for several reasons:

• Wear and tear: Daily use can lead to scratches, abrasions, and fading, diminishing the coating’s protective and aesthetic qualities.
• Color changes: Preferences change, and recoating offers an opportunity to update the color or finish of a part.
• Repairing damage: Recoating can restore damaged areas, blending seamlessly with the existing finish.
• Performance enhancement: Upgrading to a different Cerakote series with enhanced properties, such as a higher temperature resistance, can improve performance.

The reapplication of ceramic requires the same steps as an initial application, although additional preparation steps might be required.

The Challenges of Cerakoting Over Cerakote

While recoating Cerakote is possible, it presents several challenges:

• Adhesion issues: The primary concern is ensuring proper adhesion between the new and old layers. A smooth, nonporous surface can hinder mechanical bonding.
• Incompatibility: Applying a different Cerakote series over the existing one can lead to compatibility issues, affecting the coating’s overall performance and longevity.
• Surface contamination: Residual oils, dirt, or contaminants on the existing Cerakote surface can compromise adhesion and lead to coating failures.
• Achieving a uniform finish: Variations in application technique or film thickness can result in an uneven finish, detracting from the part’s appearance.
• Feathering: If only a portion of the original Cerakote is damaged, feathering the edges of the new coating into the old coating can be difficult to do seamlessly.

Surface Preparation Before Applying Cerakote Over Cerakote

The foundation of a successful Cerakote recoating lies in meticulous surface preparation. The more thorough your surface preparation, the longer your ceramic coating will last.

1. Media selection: Creating an optimal surface profile for Cerakote adhesion is key. For example, EpiX is a biosoluble, fine-blasting abrasive that offers precision and strength, significantly reduces dust, and decreases processing time.
2. Pressure: Maintain a low PSI of about 30-45 to avoid damaging the substrate or creating excessive heat.
3. Technique: Hold the nozzle at a 45-degree angle and maintain a consistent distance — 6-10 inches — from the surface. Use a sweeping motion to ensure uniform coverage.
4. Surface profile: Aim for a surface profile (Ra value) of 50-75 microinches. This can be measured using a surface roughness tester.
5. Cleaning: After blasting, thoroughly clean the surface with a degreaser to remove residual media or contaminants. Acetone or isopropyl alcohol are suitable options.
6. Inspection: Carefully inspect the surface for pitting or scratches and address these issues before proceeding with the Cerakote application.

Benefits of Cerakoting Over Cerakote 

Recoating Cerakote offers several advantages:

• Cost savings: Recoating is generally less expensive than completely stripping and reapplying Cerakote from scratch.
• Extended life: Recoating can significantly extend the life of coated parts, protecting them from further wear and corrosion.
• Improved aesthetics: Recoating can restore the original appearance of a part or provide a fresh, new look.
• Performance enhancement: Upgrading to a different Cerakote series during recoating can improve the part’s performance characteristics.

Find Tough Abrasives From 10X Engineered Materials

At 10X Engineered Materials, we understand the importance of surface preparation for optimal Cerakote adhesion. Our range of superoxalloy blasting abrasives can help you achieve the perfect surface profile for a long-lasting, durable finish. Contact us today to discuss your needs and find the best solution for your Cerakote projects.