DLC vs. Cerakote®: Which Coating Should You Use for Sandblasting Operations?
Selecting the right protective coating is essential for maximizing the lifespan and performance of equipment. Cerakote® and diamond-like carbon coating (DLC) are advanced and widely used coating options. Both coatings are engineered to shield surfaces from harsh conditions, but their unique compositions and application methods make them suitable for different needs.
Understanding how these coatings perform, especially under the rigors of abrasive blasting, can help you make an informed decision. This guide explores the key differences and similarities between these two popular coatings and provides practical insights into which option may be best for your equipment and operational goals.
Key Differences Between Cerakote and DLC
Cerakote and DLC are popular surface coatings that enhance the appearance, performance, and durability of various materials. However, these coatings differ in their compositions, applications, and properties.
Cerakote is a ceramic-based coating that is often difficult to remove without abrasive blasting. Ceramic particles give Cerakote durability and hardness, while the polymer base allows the coating to bond to various materials. This coating protects against wear and corrosion and can make surfaces resistant to scratching. It is also versatile and customizable and can protect and personalize a wide range of products.
DLC is a carbon-based coating that provides low friction (≈0.05-0.2) and can yield smooth films. This high-performance coating provides exceptional hardness and a slick finish, making it ideal for applications needing maximum durability. DLC consists of amorphous carbon and unique bonds to offer reduced friction.
DLC and Cerakote differences can be broken down into three categories:
- Application: A notable difference between these coatings is their application method. DLC coatings require specialized equipment and controlled environments. Professionals use high-tech processes like chemical vapor deposition or physical vapor deposition to apply DLC. Cerakote is a more accessible coating. It is applied as a liquid spray and then cured to harden the coating.
- Friction: DLC offers an extremely low coefficient of friction. This is a standout feature, making surfaces very slick and improving performance in moving parts. DLC is ideal for applications like engine parts or watch components where reduced friction is critical. Alternatively, Cerakote is smooth, but does not offer the low coefficient of friction as DLC. This coating is more focused on protecting materials and enhancing aesthetics than reducing friction.
- Thickness: Cerakote is a thicker coating, typically ranging between 20 and 30 microns, while DLC is extremely thin, often between 2 and 5 microns. The minimal thickness of DLC does not noticeably change the dimensions of precision parts, making this coating ideal for tight-tolerance applications. Cerakote adds a small but measurable thickness, which can present a challenge for very tight fits.
Comparing Corrosion Protection and Durability of Different Coatings
Despite the differences between DLC and Cerakote, these coatings share characteristics that make them popular choices. DLC and Cerakote similarities highlight each coating’s ability to enhance durability and longevity.
Notable similarities between DLC and Cerakote include their abilities to protect metals from corrosion and wear:
- Corrosion resistance: Both Cerakote and DLC can act as a barrier between base materials and the environment, preventing water, salt, and chemicals from reaching the metal. Ultimately, protection depends on preparation, film integrity, thickness, and operational environment. DLC can provide excellent corrosion barriers, but defects and pinholes can undermine its performance. Cerakote is especially known for its salt spray and chemical resistance in demanding environments.
- Wear resistance: Each coating can increase wear resistance compared to bare metal. This resistance reduces abrasion, scratches, and mechanical wear from repeated use. DLC often exhibits remarkably high wear resistance at room temperature but can degrade at elevated temperatures or under high loads. Cerakote’s wear resistance varies by series and curing method, but it generally provides excellent protection for most practical applications.
DLC vs. Cerakote in Abrasive Blasting Operations
Abrasive blasting operations subject surfaces to intense mechanical wear, making the choice of protective coating critical for maintaining equipment longevity and performance. Both DLC and Cerakote can enhance resistance to abrasion, but their performance and suitability differ based on their unique properties.
DLC coatings provide exceptional hardness and low friction, making them highly resistant to micro-abrasion and surface wear. In abrasive blasting environments, DLC can significantly reduce the rate of material loss on high-wear components like blasting nozzles, valves, and moving parts. However, the ultra-thin composition means that surface defects can compromise the coating’s protective barrier.
Cerakote coating types offer robust abrasion and corrosion resistance with a thicker film build. This added thickness provides a more forgiving barrier against harsh impacts and particle erosion common in abrasive blasting. Cerakote is especially suitable for larger equipment, housings, and surfaces that may experience repeated impact or require periodic touch-ups.
Is DLC or Cerakote Better for Your Operations?
Ultimately, whether DLC or Cerakote is better depends on your applications and operating environments. Generally, DLC excels in high-precision, high-wear applications where maximum hardness and minimal friction are critical, while Cerakote coating is ideal for broader coverage, impact resistance, and ease of maintenance in abrasive blasting operations.
Why Choose 10X Engineered Materials for Your Surface Preparation Needs?
Regardless of the specific coating type you choose, it is essential to achieve a high-quality surface finish. Preparing your surfaces requires abrasive blasting with the right equipment and materials. 10X Engineered Materials offers a new generation of blasting abrasives to deliver superior results in surface preparation and ensure your coatings can perform at their best.
Superoxalloys are a unique mineral blend of patented shapes to provide consistently superior surface results. These characteristics translate to a more uniform surface profile, which is critical for optimal coating adhesion and long-term durability.
Whether you are preparing for DLC, Cerakote, or another high-performance finish, superoxalloy abrasives can help create the ideal surface without causing unnecessary substrate damage or excessive roughness. Our abrasives are also designed for extended use, offering greater durability and recyclability compared to traditional blasting media. This means fewer media changes, less waste, and lower overall operating costs.
Efficiently Prepare Surfaces for Coating With Abrasives From 10X Engineered Materials
Trust 10X Engineered Materials to deliver the high-performance solutions you need. Our products have several certifications and approvals to meet the requirements and specifications of various industries. We also offer extensive product support and material guides. Find out more about our blasting media by connecting with us today.