Duracoat vs. Cerakote

[keith1911]

I'm wondering if anyone has experience on Duracoat (when oven cured) and how it holds up compared to Cerakote. I've gotten a couple firearms Cerakoted and have been happy with them. I have a pistol I'd like to change the color of but don't want to spend as much as I have had to in the past to get it Cerakoted. I've done some research but wanted to see if I could get some first hand comments. Thanks.

[seal20]

I have both, they seem equal to me. Although, I used the chemical harder version of duracoat. Both, scuff and wear with any real use but nowhere near as bad as rattle can.

[kcstott]

Same experience here, I prefer Cerokote due to it's ability to ship without a Hazmat fee. Not to mention the wide range of colors and the amount used per project in minimal. surface finish seems easier to control on Cerokote then duracoat

[cdb2468]

One is an acrylic based paint the other is an epoxy based paint. I don't remember which is which. But I definatly know that the rattle can method is the worst, especially in winter in cold areas it comes out in chunks. Also desert tan dura coat oven cure is not tan, it's more a light pink and looks awful lol. Cerokote has become super popular in gun stores these days as level 1 self proclaimed gunsmiths are taking a stab at it. I've seen some really neat results from it, but they're using a HVLP sprayer or some sort snd mixing the colors and paints themselves. Be wary of taking in firearms that are notoriously difficult to disssemble and reassemble as I've gotten a call more than once from one of these guys needing help putting it back together.

[kcstott]

One is an acrylic based paint the other is an epoxy based paint. I don't remember which is which. But I definatly know that the rattle can method is the worst, especially in winter in cold areas it comes out in chunks. Also desert tan dura coat oven cure is not tan, it's more a light pink and looks awful lol. Cerokote has become super popular in gun stores these days as level 1 self proclaimed gunsmiths are taking a stab at it. I've seen some really neat results from it, but they're using a HVLP sprayer or some sort snd mixing the colors and paints themselves. Be wary of taking in firearms that are notoriously difficult to disssemble and reassemble as I've gotten a call more than once from one of these guys needing help putting it back together.

Be wary of any self proclaimed Gunsmith. This is the reason I learned to do this stuff for my self. I don't trust many to work on my stuff and the ones I do I typically can't afford or don't want to pay for something I can do.

[Gunsmith Dan]

Duracoat

Sherwin Williams industrial auto paint.

Comes off with paint thinner

Cerakote

High grade epoxy type resin with ceramic back bone.

Resistant to most chemicals including strong acids.

Any bozo can spray Cerakote on a gun but don't expect it to look good, not peel off and have your gun malfunction.


I am the first to apply and the first to become a factory Certified Applicator in San Diego county.

A lot of jonny come lately have popped up but I never worry because every applicator in San Diego has the same problem.....

They are not gunsmiths and think because they painted something with Krylon it is easy to do.

I get MANY redos of work from other local shops constantly either
because of bad finish quality, fonish coming off or gun not put together properly.

Here is a tip to prevent those nightmares.

Make sure the business has licenses and insurance to work on firearms.

Make sure they do not charge a dissasembly and reassembly fee, that is a sure sign they ship your guns out to third party to take it apart.

Make sure they warranty the work not just a "we will redo it until right". Anyone doing quality work will not be afraid to warranty Cerakote against defects even several years after the application.

A Cerakote finish properly done should feel smooth and slick. No bumps or grit feel to it and you should be able to run 0000 dry steel wool on the surface without damaging it.

Hope that helps.

[Nick2]

KG gun kote

[Gringo Bandito]

Here is another one that was introduced at the shot show.

http://n1a.goexposoftware.com/events/ss15/goExpo/exhibitor/viewExhibitorProfile.php?__id=1494

[keith1911]

Thanks for all the info everyone.

[general_disarray_prk]

Link To Official Cerakote/NIC Industries Web Training Manual - Preparation and Application:

http://www.cerakoteguncoatings.com/resources/files/Cerakote-Training-Manual-Web.pdf

[cdb2468]

Duracoat

Sherwin Williams industrial auto paint.

Comes off with paint thinner

Cerakote

High grade epoxy type resin with ceramic back bone.

Resistant to most chemicals including strong acids.

Any bozo can spray Cerakote on a gun but don't expect it to look good, not peel off and have your gun malfunction.


I am the first to apply and the first to become a factory Certified Applicator in San Diego county.

A lot of jonny come lately have popped up but I never worry because every applicator in San Diego has the same problem.....

They are not gunsmiths and think because they painted something with Krylon it is easy to do.

I get MANY redos of work from other local shops constantly either
because of bad finish quality, fonish coming off or gun not put together properly.

Here is a tip to prevent those nightmares.

Make sure the business has licenses and insurance to work on firearms.

Make sure they do not charge a dissasembly and reassembly fee, that is a sure sign they ship your guns out to third party to take it apart.

Make sure they warranty the work not just a "we will redo it until right". Anyone doing quality work will not be afraid to warranty Cerakote against defects even several years after the application.

A Cerakote finish properly done should feel smooth and slick. No bumps or grit feel to it and you should be able to run 0000 dry steel wool on the surface without damaging it.

Hope that helps.

I'm San Diego gunsmith as well. I typically refer people to Poway weapons And gear, or parallax tactical, my best friend is their gunsmith and I know they have high volume work. I figure they'd have it figured out by now. Niether of which have a solid reason for my referral other than I either know them or know that they do it. Now with what you've just mentioned you Sound like you're a more reliable recommendation. Where can I send people to have you do the work...? I'll agree, many many stores are doing it and like I said I've gotten a few calls here and there. I like to build partnerships with people in the area Especially to reroute customers looking for specific work.

[Ishooter]

KG gun kote

Another good alternative to Cerakote.

[dpr]

I used plenty of KG Gun Kote before Cera Kote came out and Cera Kote is much better in every way.

[pyromensch]

cercoting cost too much, so I decided to try duracoating... happy with what I have done, (not exposed to "combat conditions", but has held up well)

[tvfreakarms]

Any good place in nor cal to get cerakoting (greater sac area)?
I want to get my 1911 style upper/slide .22lr cerakoted

2 by 2...hands of blue