Gun coatings explained please.

[daddyusmaximus]

I'm leaning towards Cerakote, going by what I read. That said, can anyone explain what the differences are in the various coatings? I've heard some aren't much better than spray paint, and some are great. I want a nice looking gun, so color choices are great, but am really looking for the most rust protection I can get. Think, "truck gun".

 

[engineerpower]

Cerakote, Alumahyde, Molycoat, Duracoat, they're all slightly different and intended for different uses. I've had good results with Duracoat and it's an easy setup with a spraybrush and small air compressor.

 

[Bluejeeper]

I did my last HD shotgun and a 10/22 with duracoat. They have a shake and spray kit that I used. I was very happy with it. I might try cerakote next time I coat something, though.

 

[sadclownwp]

Durakote is about as strong as Krylon high temp enamel. If you want a truly good firearm coating that will hold up to some extreme wear, you have to go Cerakote

 

[Squirt239]

I quit using DuraCoat in my shop. Cerakote is 6-10x stronger than DuraCoat. Just make sure the surface is prepped well and you follow the mixing instructions.

 

[engineerpower]

Hey Brett, thanks for the info! Do you use air-cure? I know the bake-cure is stronger, but if I can avoid stinking the house up and incurring big wrath from the little lady, all the better...

 

[CountryBoy19]

Hey Brett, thanks for the info! Do you use air-cure? I know the bake-cure is stronger, but if I can avoid stinking the house up and incurring big wrath from the little lady, all the better...

I can't attest to cerakote but I do KG gunkote (a bake-on that is typically regarded as the next best thing to cerakote). It does have a little odor, but it's not that bad. When I do a coating job I just wait until I have a day off and my wife has to work. I spray & bake in the morning and by the time my wife gets home in the evening she doesn't even notice the smell, even if I tell her I baked a gun in the oven...

 

[Squirt239]

Hey Brett, thanks for the info! Do you use air-cure? I know the bake-cure is stronger, but if I can avoid stinking the house up and incurring big wrath from the little lady, all the better...

I actually got a stove for the shop, for free I might add. If you go on Craigslist, sometimes you can find an old one that no one will buy that works great for a shop. I will say, however, that there is an odor that it gives off when it is cooking.

"It's a formidable aroma. Stings the nostrils."

 

[daddyusmaximus]

Thanks for the info guys. I does seem to be the consensus of the board that cerakote is the most durable. I will probably go that route. Not worried about any odor as I'll have it done.

 

[pike]

I just had a slide sprayed with gunkote and I am very happy so far I don't have any experience with any other brands but gunkote is tough. I carry a Kel Tec p11 with the belt clip so the slide is in contact with me all the time and no rust after carrying all summer.

 

[ryan3030]

The full version of this article is available in Recoil magazine, it's pretty good: Preview - Finish Strong - A Guide to Coatings, Finishes, and Treatments - RECOIL

 

[daddyusmaximus]

Thanks.

 

[kaveman]

Just received my third Cerakote finished revolver. I really love a rust blue finish but the durability of Cerakote on a using gun can't be beat.

 

[daddyusmaximus]

Prolly end up going that route.

 

[d30carls]

has anyone tried the hydro dip process I have seen some pretty neat patterns but i have been wondering how something that appears to be so easy to put on could be very durable

 

[sadclownwp]

Hydrodipping does not stand up to wear and tear, it is actually less durable than krylon spraypaint.