zetec7 wrote:
I've found that powder coat, unless it's done flawlessly, will have tiny pits in it that can let moisture in. On external parts (stuff that gets wax on it, etc.) that's not a problem. Parts that are relatively inaccessible, though, can have issues. The tiniest pore that lets moisture in will start rust, which spreads like wildfire between the base metal & the powdercoat. I've seen it do this, often, and usually results in the coating separating from the base metal in large sheets, ruining it, while protecting & propagating the rust process beneath it. If anything, I'd maybe try Rhino-Liner or something...
Yep.. and at a 400F degree cure, it can cause some metallurgical issues or deformities. Lots of things just cannot be powder coated because of that!
Granted I'm doing it for other things as a biz now, but that's why I originally looked into Cerakote.
- It won't hide cracks like powdercoat.
- It's bonded to the material, so it'll never flake off (if done properly).
- You have high and low temp applications along with air dry, so you can coat anything with it and have them all look alike. Think like having your metal frame and plastic mirrors all the same color. Powdercoat can't do that.
- Unlimited color palette . Can't effectively mix powdercoat colors.
- It's much easier to apply. I apply to firearms with a regular airbrush or HVLP gun and both work great. Can tailor detail and not miss spots like Zetec7 mentioned.
- Nothing effects it. Chemically stable. You can abuse the snot out of it and nothing short of physical abuse will hurt it.
CONS:
- It WILL NOT hide surface imperfections. You need a perfect surface to apply to. You can put it over rough things, but you'll get the same look coming out. Serial numbers on firearms remain perfectly legible.
- Air dry takes 5 days to cure. Lots of down time for certain parts.
I am biased, but I like my Cerakote. I know I'll go overboard by the time I'm done, but it'll be a perfectly color matched 7!!
K "koted" S
_________________
Check out
Firearm Finishes & Coating for options to ceramic coat your Locost parts. Hundreds of stock or custom colors including Chrome and Clear Coating options now available! High Temp options for hot bits!! Plastics too!!
Never become a pessimist. A pessimist is correct oftener than an optimist, but an optimist has more fun, and neither can stop the march of events.-Robert A. Heinlein