Cerakote vs. Hydrodipping

[OmegaTrader]

I was gonna send my guns out for cerakote, then I found out about hydrodipping. Just wonder if any of you Calgunners have any experience with it? I have one cerakote 1911 and love it. The finish is very durable. Dropped it a few times at the range w/o any kind of scratch. How does hydrodipping compare with it?

[GW]

Great question.
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[SLO1911Fan]

In my experience hydro dipping isn't nearly as durable as cerakoting. But you can create a much more detailed/complicated design.

There may also be a way to get the best of both worlds. I've been playing around with an idea for a combination of hydrodipping and cerakoting.

[Librarian]

This discussion looks right - http://blog.adamsarms.net/blog/durac...-hydro-dipping

Hydrographic durability is determined largely by the prep work and most importantly the clear coat that is applied to the final product. To create a certification process and a best practices governance
to provide peace of mind to consumers, TWN Industries (the creators of Water Transfer Printing Process) created the WTP Training and Certification process. Make sure that the "hydro dipper" that you are hiring is certified as a decorator (more info here http://www.watertransferprinting.com...decorator.html) Similarly NIC Industries offers the only training program for Cerakote Firearm coating and provide a list of approved applicators.

There is a (relatively) new clear Cerakote that may work on top of hydrographic stuff.

[OmegaTrader]

Thanks Librarian. I think I am going with Cerakote for the rifles, and hydrodip for my polymer handguns.

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[glock_this]

Also consider tolerance differences between the two that might make for parts not working proper or fitment issues due to tolerance changes once each is applied.

Cerakote on weapons would be my first choice for sure.

[DoubleTap76]

Check your local auto painting a detailing shops. Maybe restorations too.

Some of them are engaging in cerakote ing....

[SDM44]

I would also say it would depend on the gun (material).

On a 1911, I would personally nitride the frame & slide and all of the parts. Same for any other steel slides that will accept the treatment.

Hydrodipping does allow you to get a cleaner image on the surface, like a detail-intensive graphic/logo or even something like carbon fiber weave. I've seen the same with kryptek patterns too. However from my experience, and of course it all comes down to the prep work, but cerakote is a bit more durable and can take more abuse before showing wear than a hydrodipped gun.