CerAKOTE
Frequently Asked Questions
What IS Cerakote?
Cerakote is a Polymer-Ceramic Composite coating that can be applied to metals, plastics, polymers and wood. The unique formulation used for Cerakote ceramic coating enhances a number of physical performance properties including abrasion/wear resistance, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, impact strength, and hardness. Each of these properties is rigorously tested to guarantee that Cerakote products remain at the forefront of the ceramic coatings market. Cerakote ceramic coatings utilize state-of-the-art technology to out-perform any competitive coating in both laboratory settings and real world applications.
What Can Be Coated?
As of now Cerakote can be applied on ferrous and non ferrous metals. It can also be applied to composites (fiberglass, carbon fiber, Kevlar, etc), plastics, polymers, and wood. Certain coatings are designed to be applied over existing coatings. Contact us if you are unsure if your item is coatable, we are happy to help.
How Thick is the Coating?
Cerakote is applied extremely thin. Depending on the coating type Cerakote is applied at .25-3 Mils. To further understand Mils, 1 Mil is equivalent to 1 thousandth of an inch (1 Mil = 0.001in) and the average human hair is 0.004in thick. Being able to coat this thin allows the coating to be applied in tight places with limited impact on tolerances. You can find applied thickness info here or by contacting us for specific applications.
What is the drying Time?
Drying times can depends on the coating series used. Oven cure coating take 2hrs at 150-250°F typically. Air cure coatings take 40-60 mins dry to the touch, 24 hrs to be movable or shipped and 5 day for fully cure.
How is Cerakote Tested?
Cerakote is tested using ASTM International testing standards. Information about ASTM International can be found here.
Can the coating withstand heat?
Yes all coatings can withstand some heat. Coatings can handle 300-2600°F depending on the series.You can find thermal stability of each coating series here.
chemical resistance?
Cerakote coatings are very chemical resistant. Actually chemical resistance depends on coating series. Cerakote testing results can be found here.
Can Cerakote Scratch?
The short answer is yes you can scratch Cerakote but it is extremely scratch and abrasion resistant. Scratch (abrasion), Adhesion, and Hardness testing using ASTM standard testing and rating. Cerakote outlasts the completion by a mile, you can view all testing results at the links below.
Abrasion Testing here and Abrasion Testing Video here.
Hardness Testing here.
Adhesion Testing here.
How long does Cerakote Last?
The longevity of Cerakote depends on its use, environment and care taken. We recommend you take a look at all the testing information above to get an idea on how it will hold up in your application. You may also contact us with specific questions. We can say Cerakote is designed from the ground up to outlast the competition, so it will last for years and years to come.
Is Cerakote Dishwasher Safe?
Although not stated by Cerakote directly. Do to Cerakote's thermal stability and chemical resistance we do not see an issue with washing any items in the dishwasher. We can say in our experience we have seen no coating degradation on tumblers we personally use and wash in a dishwasher.