Cerakote is a ceramic based epoxy coating that provides fantastic abrasion, corrosion, and chemical resistance, especially for parts that require tight tolerances like firearms. Probably the most unique thing about Cerakote is the ability to achieve custom designs and camo patterns, utilizing a variety of techniques and stencils.
So, the question of the day is… can you do this (insert the craziest thing your brain can comprehend)? The answer is never as simple as the question. There are limitations to everything, including my ability (Yep, I said it! I’m working on this whole knowing your limitations thing), but I’m confident together we can come up with something you will love and we will be proud of!
Here are some things to know when you start day dreaming about your next project:
1) Photographic Camo patterns like Real Tree, Mossy Oak, Muddy Girl, etc. don’t translate well, there is a reason they are often applied with a hydro dip process instead of Cerakote. The intricate details and multiple color variations make it difficult to make it look right with Cerakote, and after all, anything worth doing is worth doing right.
2) Copyright! Need I say more… Sometimes it turns out people don’t like it when you steal their ideas.
3) Fit and Function are the number one priority, while technically it is possible to use 5,6,7 colors in a camo pattern, the chances of it fitting back together and functioning properly are slim. Its also important to mention that anytime you layer coating on coating you are losing durability, so there is a point of diminishing returns.
4) You don’t have to pick every color in detail, there are some colors that work well with each other based on the sheen of the final cured finish, and there is almost always a close alternative. That coupled with the fact that the colors never look the same in person as they do on a computer screen, its best to know the look your going for, and let us help you pick the colors when you come in to drop off or we when call you to consult on your project if you shipped it in.
5) Stencils can get fairly detailed, but they have limitations, there are also constraints to the size of the parts your coating, we can do some pretty detailed stuff, but sometimes a pattern or logo just doesn’t fit, or is too small to cut and transfer.
Ok, I’ve spent enough time telling you what we can’t do, so let me end it this way, if you can dream it up or you’ve seen it done before, give us a call. We welcome the opportunity to exceed your expectations! Check our “Project Vault” for some of our favorite projects or click over to our Instagram page for even more ideas.