Cerakote & Powder Coating FAQs
What is Cerakote®?
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Cerakote® is a polymer-ceramic composite coating that can be applied to metals, plastics, polymers, and wood. The unique formulation used in Cerakote® enhances a number of physical performance properties including abrasion/wear resistance, corrosion resistance, chemical/heat/UV resistance, impact strength, hardness, and more. Each of these properties is rigorously tested to guarantee that Cerakote® products remain at the forefront of the ceramic coatings market; It is the most durable spray-on finish available today, with over 100 colors and finishes to choose from.
What is the difference between Cerakote® & Powder Coat?
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Both Cerakote® and powder coating provide tough, protective finishes, but they differ significantly in thickness, application, and best use cases.
Key Differences
Composition and Application:
Cerakote®: A liquid polymer-ceramic composite spray applied in a very thin layer (0.5 to 2 mils) and thermally or air-cured.
Powder Coating: A dry thermoplastic or thermoset powder applied electrostatically and baked so it melts into a continuous, thick shell (typically 2 to 10 mils, or 3–4 times thicker than Cerakote®).
Tolerance and Detail:
Cerakote®: Preserves fine engravings, threads, and tight mechanical tolerances because of its ultra-thin profile.
Powder Coating: Thicker layer that can fill in minor surface imperfections, machine marks, or pores, though it may require masking for tight-fitting parts.
Heat Resistance:
Cerakote®: Handles extreme heat (up to 1,800°F–2,000°F depending on the specific series, such as high-temp exhaust or engine parts).
Powder Coating: Generally limited to around 400°F–500°F, making it unsuitable for hot-side engine components or exhaust headers.
Impact and Chip Resistance:
Cerakote®: Hard and abrasion-resistant, though thin layers may not absorb heavy rock hits as well as a thick cushion.
Powder Coating: Thicker, flexible shell acts like a heavy-duty bumper against everyday chips and dabs on larger items like wheels, bumpers, and outdoor frames.
Substrates:
Cerakote®: Bonds to metals, plastics, polymers, and wood.
Powder Coating: Typically requires conductive substrates (mostly metals), though specialized hot-spray techniques can work on certain plastics.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Cerakote® if: You are coating firearms, precision mechanical parts, knives, high-heat exhaust systems, or items with tight tolerances where thick paint would ruin fitment.
Choose Powder Coating if: You are coating larger surfaces like car/truck wheels, bicycle frames, PC cases, patio furniture, or off-road bumpers where you want cost-effective, uniform color and high chip resistance.
What industries do you serve?
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The Metal Forest is much more than a firearm coating company. In fact, over 60% of our business is unrelated to firearms. In addition to firearms, we service the automotive, golf, cycle, aerospace, consumer electronics, commercial/industrial, and government/military markets.
Can I ship my project to you (including firearms)?
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Absolutely! We are able to fulfill projects for individuals and businesses all across the country and we make it easy to do so by accepting items through the mail as well as commercial freight. Whether your project is big or small you can ship it to us and we'll ship it back upon completion. We also have an FFL/SOT so we’re able to accept firearms and suppressors as well. Give us a call or fill out our “contact” page and we’d be happy to help!
Our state of the art fiber laser is capable of handling all of your laser engraving needs. Whether you are looking for deep engraving, laser etching, custom stippling, or basic part marking, we have you covered!