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Questions

Cerakote is a thin-film ceramic coating that provides durable and protective finishes to various surfaces. It is widely used in firearms, knives, automotive parts, and other applications (such as keyboards) to enhance aesthetics and provide corrosion resistance.
Cerakote is designed to resist chipping, flaking, or scratching, making it suitable for industrial applications that require durability and strength, particularly in situations where precision is crucial.
Cerakote can be applied to various materials such as metals, plastics, polymers, and wood.
Caring for Cerakote-coated items involves basic maintenance, such as cleaning with mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners and solvents that may damage the coating.
No, Cerakote is available in a wide range of colors, including standard, metallic, and custom colored options. austin-cerakote-electronics-space-cables-llc-space-holdings
Cerakote is a permanent finish designed to last the lifetime of the item that can be coated.
Short answer: No, it should not. Cerakote is applied at 1/1000th of one inch. (or 1mil / 0.0254mm)

We have never encountered a single project that was affected by the added thickness from the Cerakote application.

Specific colors of Cerakote may require a thicker application, up to 3 mils (0.07 mm). When two adjacent surfaces feature this increased thickness, it may pose assembly challenges or result in "rub marks." Generally, most available colors can be applied with a thickness of ≤1 mil. It is essential to be aware that without the inclusion of added tolerance in the design of your parts, Cerakote may potentially interfere. We recommend consulting with us to identify colors that may present issues if your part already seems like a tight fit with its present coating.

Picture showing 23.7 microns (less than 1/1000") Retro-After
Cerakote H Series finishes exhibit exceptional durability, corrosion resistance, and unmatched levels of hardness and adhesion. This is your best option for your firearm parts.
We offer H Series and Elite Series presently.
Yes. We are able to laser engrave your item in any way you please. If you selected this option, contact us first with your design ideas.

Questions Cont.

Our Cerakote service takes place at our South-Austin located warehouse.

If you need our address to ship parts to, reach out to our support staff. If you want to stop by in-person to drop off parts, reach out for appointment times.

Create a customer support ticket.

Yes! (to an extent). We have been able to work out plenty of deep scratches. To accomplish this, Cerakote itself doesn't cover the scratches, but you can remove superficial scratches through the sandblasting part preparation process before we apply the Cerakote.
Cerakote is not only affordable comparatively to other coatings due to its ease of doing single one-off parts, but it also scales up easily to do more bulk work projects. We find that its worth every penny as it increases the lifetime of your part(s) and is available in any color you could possibly need to suit your setup.
  1. Once your order is complete, we will promptly contact you via email to begin the process of collecting your parts.

  2. It's important to ensure that you only dispatch the parts that require coating and kindly remove any keyboard feet, gaskets, or anything that would melt in an oven before sending them.
    If they're left fixed to the parts, they may be damaged in the removal process.

  3. If the parts you're shipping can be securely assembled, we recommend doing so to facilitate their safe transit.

  4. To safeguard your parts during transit, we suggest packing them in either a foam carrying case or ensuring each piece is carefully bubble-wrapped individually from all angles.

We also can provide labels per request!


When providing packaging dimensions to us, please round up.
If your box is 19.5 x 17.75 x 10, please tell us 20 x 18 x 10.

Alternatively, you're welcome to bring in parts yourself directly to our storefront in Austin, Texas. Reach out to support to schedule this.

  1. Surface Preparation: Our process commences by strategically blasting the keyboard down to the bare metal. This not only removes any existing coating but also establishes the ideal surface for ensuring secure Cerakote® adhesion.

  2. Universal Blasting: Even if your part is already sandblasted or is devoid of any existing coating, we apply a specific grit size as recommended by Cerakote® to ensure uniformity in the preparation process.

  3. Cleaning and Degreasing: Following the initial blasting, the parts are submerged in an acetone tank. This soak serves the dual purpose of cleaning and degreasing the parts, preparing them for the coating application. Subsequently, the parts are carefully racked in our industrial oven for a full 30-minute cycle to bring any residual oils to the surface that may have soaked into the metal while being machined.

  4. Repeat Process (If Necessary): If required, we repeat the degreasing and baking process until no traces of oils are detected, ensuring a pristine surface for the coating.

  5. Fixturing: Your part is then fixtured in preparation for the application of your chosen coating and any optional effects you may have selected.

  6. Coating Application: After first mixing the Cerakote in a hydraulic shaker for 10-15 minutes, we expertly apply the selected coating and any additional effects you've chosen to achieve the desired finish and protection for your part.

  7. Quality Inspection: Once the coating process is complete, we conduct a thorough quality check to identify and rectify any flaws or imperfections, ensuring that your part meets our high standards of quality.

  8. Packaging: After passing our rigorous quality inspection, your part(s) are carefully packed, ready to be shipped, and delivered to you, ensuring they arrive in perfect condition.

We take great care and attention to detail at each step of this process to provide you with the best possible results for your coated parts.

1) The coating may exhibit minor specks inherent in all available colors.

2) Internal surfaces may display a slightly coarser texture compared to external surfaces, or slightly undercoated.

3) Specific colors of Cerakote® may require a thicker application, up to 3 mils (0.07 mm). When two adjacent surfaces feature this increased thickness, it may pose assembly challenges or result in "rub marks." Generally, most available colors can be applied with a thickness of ≤1 mil. It is essential to be aware that without the inclusion of added tolerance in the design of your parts, Cerakote® may potentially interfere. We recommend consulting with your applicator to identify colors that may present issues.

4) The presence of hook marks may be contingent on the fixturing method employed for the parts.

5) Please note that we do not assume responsibility for any transit-related issues, such as lost, stolen, or damaged items. If you have concerns about the transportation of your item, we recommend requesting insurance to be added to your order.

6) For those prioritizing color precision, we strongly advise obtaining complimentary swatches through the Cerakote website. While we showcase color renders from their site on ours, it's essential to consider them merely as a broad reference for color.

7) Please be aware that if your part includes powder coating, there will be a removal fee due to the extra labor required for chemical stripping. This process takes 4-5 days and will extend the overall processing time before the Cerakote application can start.

 

Presently, we can apply Cerakote to non-serialized firearm parts while we are pending our FFL application.

This includes magazines, certain slides, hand guards, triggers, stocks, etc. Once our application goes through, we will update this to simply say "Yes."

Cerakote versus:

Cerakote offers exceptional durability, corrosion resistance, and superior hardness. It provides a broad spectrum of colors and customization options, making it popular for firearms and automotive parts. In contrast, anodizing, an electrochemical process mainly applied to aluminum, enhances corrosion resistance and surface hardness but typically lacks the color diversity and customization offered by Cerakote. The choice between the two depends on specific application requirements and aesthetic preferences. Cerakote is VOC exempt in all 50 states and much better for the environment than toxic anodizing.
The preference for Cerakote over e-coating or any other coating depends on the specific needs and priorities of the application. Cerakote is indeed favored for its exceptional abrasion resistance, customizable color options, and versatility, making it well-suited for applications where aesthetics and durability are critical. Based on our observations, we've found that e-coating is more easily removed during the surface preparation blasting process for Cerakote adhesion compared to anodizing or Cerakote, with Cerakote being the hardest to remove of the three.
Powder coating involves applying a dry powder to a surface, then curing it to create a protective and durable finish. While both methods offer durability and corrosion resistance, Cerakote tends to provide a thinner and more precise coating, allowing for intricate details. Powder coating, on the other hand, may be thicker and is often used for larger surfaces.

Powder Coating Clause

$30 per part needing powdercoat removal, <$10 if part can fit behind credit card

Nitriding is a heat treatment process that diffuses nitrogen into the surface of the metal, enhancing hardness and corrosion resistance. While both methods offer durability, Cerakote provides additional customization options with various colors and finishes. Nitriding is appreciated for its hardness and wear resistance, making it suitable for high-stress applications. However, Cerakote will take significantly longer to show signs of corrosion.
PVD coatings offer enhanced hardness and wear resistance, Cerakote surpasses in delivering a combination of superior performance and the added benefit of extensive aesthetic customization. The preference for Cerakote over PVD is evident, emphasizing its overall excellence in meeting the specific needs of applications that demand both durability and personalized finishes.
Teflon (PTFE) offers low friction, excellent chemical resistance, and resistance to high temperatures. It is particularly suitable for applications with moving parts. Teflon's limitations include fewer color options compared to Cerakote and the need for precise application to prevent uneven coatings. The choice between Cerakote and Teflon depends on factors such as appearance preferences, the level of durability required, functional considerations, and the expertise available for application.
Cerakote and Xylan offer corrosion resistance, but Xylan is particularly known for its effectiveness in this regard. The decision between the two coatings should consider the specific needs of the application, weighing factors such as abrasion resistance, color options, and the level of corrosion protection required. In comparison to Xylan, Cerakote E Series defeats Xylan in any corrosion test.
Blueing is a traditional method involving a controlled oxidation process to create a protective layer on steel surfaces. While blueing enhances corrosion resistance to some extent, it is generally less durable than Cerakote and lacks the diverse color choices. Cerakote's modern attributes make it a preferred option for those seeking both advanced protection and aesthetic customization, whereas blueing is valued for its classic appearance and simplicity.

Industry Information

Let's dive into the world of 3D printing, right here in Austin, Texas!

Picture this: 3D printers buzzing away, creating new parts faster than ever, and saving costs that were previously unthinkable with traditional methods. Now, let me introduce you to the star of the show – Cerakote Ceramic Coatings. This top-notch finish is the go-to choice for post-processing in the 3D printing and additive manufacturing world. Whether you're dealing with polymers or metals, Cerakote's got you covered. Here in Austin, where innovation thrives, Cerakote stands out for its outstanding performance, offering the perfect finishing touch to any 3D printed part. It's a high-tech coating applied with precision, providing not just protection but also stunning color consistency and a wide range of finishes – we're talking more than 150 options to choose from. It's like giving your 3D creations a VIP treatment, Texas-style!

As certified Cerakote professionals, we bring a wealth of expertise to ensure that your specific needs in this industry are met with precision and excellence. Our certified applications offer a range of services tailored to maximize the benefits of Cerakote coatings. Let us be the ones to help you.

Cerakote isn't your average coating; it's the tough Texan of the aerospace world. With its inorganic magic, it laughs in the face of UV rays, chemicals, and wear, ensuring your aerospace parts stay sharp and sturdy.

Our customers love it for the rainbow of colors, reviving worn-out parts, and custom formulations. Proudly made in the USA, Cerakote isn't just about looking good; it's a global troubleshooter, solving industry problems one customized solution at a time. From aerostructures to flight deck surfaces, Cerakote is the go-to for keeping things fly in the aerospace industry.

As certified Cerakote professionals, we bring a wealth of expertise to ensure that your specific needs in the aerospace industry are met with precision and excellence. Our certified applications offer a range of services tailored to maximize the benefits of Cerakote coatings. Let us be the ones to help you.

Automotive manufacturers are on a quest for solutions to combat corrosion and meet the high expectations of today's savvy consumers. Fueled by the demand for top-notch quality and minimal rust, they've turned their attention to Cerakote, a versatile coating that has proven its worth in the demanding aerospace industry. Inspired by its success in the skies, manufacturers are incorporating Cerakote to create a robust shield against corrosion, offering vehicles a sleek appearance and resilience against extreme conditions. In a city known for its eclectic charm, the adoption of Cerakote reflects a commitment to delivering vehicles that stand the test of time. The automotive landscape in Austin is evolving, and Cerakote is playing a pivotal role in shaping a rust-free future for the vehicles cruising through its vibrant streets.

As certified Cerakote professionals, we bring a wealth of expertise to ensure that your specific needs in this industry are met with precision and excellence. Our certified applications offer a range of services tailored to maximize the benefits of Cerakote coatings. Let us be the ones to help you.

austin-cerakote-automotive-space-cables-llc-space-holdings
Cerakote is the ultimate defender in electronics and music, offering a blend of durability and style. In the electronics industry, it acts as a shield, providing resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and corrosion, ensuring gadgets stay sleek and resilient. In music, Cerakote transforms instruments into both robust and visually striking pieces, standing up to the demands of touring and constant handling. It's not just a coating; it's the unsung hero that enhances performance and appearance simultaneously. With Cerakote, your electronics and instruments get a reliable armor, ready to face the challenges of everyday use and the spotlight of the stage.

As certified Cerakote professionals, we bring a wealth of expertise to ensure that your specific needs in this industry are met with precision and excellence. Our certified applications offer a range of services tailored to maximize the benefits of Cerakote coatings. Let us be the ones to help you.

Cerakote ceramic coatings excel in the oil and gas industry by providing exceptional corrosion protection through a durable thin film. Unlike other coatings, Cerakote doesn't fall short on critical components like threads and valves. Its industry-leading corrosion resistance extends to the entire part, both inside and out, eliminating the need for expensive masking. This ensures comprehensive protection for even the most intricate elements, such as threads, valves, and impellers. Cerakote goes beyond conventional coatings, safeguarding your operation with unparalleled durability.

As certified Cerakote professionals, we bring a wealth of expertise to ensure that your specific needs in the oil and gas industry are met with precision and excellence. Our certified applications offer a range of services tailored to maximize the benefits of Cerakote coatings. Let us be the ones to help you.

austin-cerakote-automotive-space-cables-llc-space-holdings