CERAKOTE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Cerakote is an innovative technology that can be applied to specific applications. The process of applying Cerakote also requires following a precise process to achieve the intended performance. In this section, you will find many of the most frequently asked questions answered. If you have additional questions not covered here, contact us.
WHAT CAN CERAKOTE BE USED ON?
Cerakote can be applied to a wide range of materials as long as the underlying substrate material provides a firm foundation for Cerakote to cure. It is frequently applied to plastic, but it works best on hard plastic that does not flex easily. Cerakote can be applied to 3D printed plastic or TPU as well, and can provide some flex even if the material does bend a little. Other common materials that Cerakote is used on includes steel, aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber, wood, and even glass.
Cerakote cannot be applied to fabric or soft materials like leather.
WHY CERAKOTE INSTEAD OF ANODIZING OR PLATING?
Cerakote has superior scratch hardness and chemical resistance to anodizing or plating. It is also far less polluting and much easier to apply. Cerakote's application process means you have much greater creative freedom and create unlimited visual effects. You can mask and spray different patterns or camouflage, or use a laser to change the color of cured Cerakote to quickly create patterns of your choice. You can also apply Cerakote's FX additive to a range of sparkle effects.
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DO YOU ONLY SELL COATING OR CAN YOU HELP ME APPLY CERAKOTE?
We are primarily a Cerakote coating supply and certification training center, but can offer coating services for prototype samples, small to medium volume production of reasonably sized items that measure less than 1.5m in length. For large-volume production, we can refer you to one of our certified Cerakote applicators in China or in Asia. We currently have certified applicators in both the northern and southern regions of China. If you are a factory in China and wish to be certified as a Cerakote applicator, please contact us at info@cerakote.com.hk and we can schedule a training for you.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO ORDER COATING?
Most coating is ordered fresh from the US warehouse upon ordering. Order lead time is usually 5-6 days for delivery to addresses in Hong Kong. Deliveries to China will take 1-3 weeks so please order early in advance. All Cerakote is made in the USA.
CAN YOU SHIP COATING TO CHINA?
Yes, we currently supply Cerakote coating to China. Please contact us with what you wish to order and we can provide you with a shipping quote and estimated lead time. Please note that shipping to China can take a few weeks in some cases.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CERAKOTE H, E, C AND V SERIES?
H series is designed for high scratch, abrasion and corrosion resistance, and is available in over 100 colors making it a popular choice for most applications. H series is generally not as strong in UV resistance as C series, and can withstand temperatures up to 250-350 degrees Celcius depending on the color. H series coating is oven cured. H series is 25-50 microns thick (1-2Mil).
E series is an enhanced version of H series, and is half the thickness but offers even higher scratch, abrasion and corrosion resistance. E series can also be buffed to create a very slick surface with a low coefficient of friction. However E series color options are far fewer than H series. E series coating is oven cured. Similar to H series, E series is not as UV stable as C series. E series is the thinnest coating we offer at 12-17 microns thick (0.5 - 0.75 Mil) but less than 20 colors are available.
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C series coating shines when it comes to high temperature stability and UV stability. Most C series coating will be color stable at 650 degrees Celcius or more, while a select few (C-7600, C-7700, C-7800, C-7900) will withstand temperatures up to 980 degrees Celcius. C series coating is air cured, and requires 5 days to completely cure. C series has very good UV stability and can withstand temperatures between 650 - 980 degrees celsius. But C series is not as abrasion and scratch resistant as H and E series. C series is 25-50 microns thick (1-2Mil).
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V series is for engine components and is designed for ultra high heat applications, and can withstand temperatures up to 1100 degrees Celcius. V series also offers very high chemical and corrosion resistance. V series coating is oven cured. Similar to C series, V series is very UV stable but not as abrasion and scratch resistant as H and E series. V series is 25-50 microns thick (1-2Mil).
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Depending on your particular application, choose the right coating for your needs.
WHICH WHITE COLOR COATING IS SCRATCH RESISTANT AND ALSO UV STABLE?
We often get requests for a white color coating that is scratch resistant and also UV stable. The most common application is for consumer products. This is especially interesting since white is not possible with anodizing or electroplating. Based on our experience, H-242 Hidden White is the most UV stable option. It's a little darker shade and looks a bit like tofu white, but should still fit the needs of most projects.
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WHAT IS CERAKOTE SUPER GRIP?
Cerakote Super Grip is an ultra-durable ceramic coating designed to add grip and texture to nearly any surface. This air cured coating is easy to apply and can work as a standalone coating used to improve grip, or can be used in tandem with other Cerakote products to create custom textured finishes. Common applications include axe and hammer handles, or tools that require a lot of grip. The rubberized coating is rough to touch, and has good adhesion and abrasion resistance so it does not come off easily. Easy to spray with an enlarged 1.7mm nozzle and air cured.
IS CERAKOTE COATING AVAILABLE IN CLEAR?
Cerakote performance clears are designed for unrivaled durability, hardness and scratch resistance. They also offer excellent chemical resistance and flexibility. They can be applied to aluminum, composites, plastics, PVD, hydro-graphics, and many more surfaces. MC-5100 is designed specifically to protect polished aluminum, while MC-2200 is a general use clearcoat that can be applied to a broad range of surfaces.
CAN I SPRAY CERAKOTE MYSELF?
Yes, Cerakote is not difficult to spray but you will need to get the right equipment and put in sufficient practice to get it right. You will need sandblasting facilities, a spray gun (Iwata LPH-80) with air supply, degreasing tanks, and an oven. Getting properly trained can also shorten the learning curve significantly. We offer a range of training classes for private users and professional manufacturers. See our training classes.
IS THE APPLICATION TECHNIQUE FOR CERAKOTE THE SAME AS PAINT?
No, Cerakote does not behave like regular paint. Do not treat it or spray it like paint. Cerakote has a very precise process that must be followed for proper application. Please do not deviate from the process or else you will not achieve the intended performance. There are many instructional videos on Cerakote's official Youtube channel, and we recommend you watch those before attempting to apply Cerakote.
DOES CERAKOTE NEED A PRIMER OR BASE COAT?
No, the colored Cerakote coatings are designed to be applied directly to a sandblasted and degreased substrate surface for maximum adhesion. Cerakote does not need the use of a primer, which in fact would weaken the adhesion. Cerakote's clearcoat series can be applied on top of a partially cured Cerakote or polished and degreased surfaces directly. The applicator should follow specific instructions for each coating, but primers are NEVER needed for all types of Cerakote.
DOES CERAKOTE BE APPLIED TO A PART TO MAKE IT STRONGER?
Cerakote is a very strong coating that resists scratches, abrasion and corrosion, but it does not add to the structural rigidity of the part that it is coated onto. Cerakote's coating hardness also depends on a strong firm underlying substrate surface.
CAN CERAKOTE BE USED TO INSULATE HEAT?
Yes, our V-136 Piston Coating is a thermal barrier coating that blocks heat transfer. While it was designed to coat pistons to resist the intense heat of internal combustion from melting aluminum piston heads, V-136 can also be applied to automotive headers and other components to prevent the dissipation of heat into the vehicle's cabin. With a rated scratch resistance rating of 7H, this coating is strong enough for general use. See technical details of Cerakote V-136 here.
CAN I ORDER CERAKOTE BASED ON A SPECIFIC PANTONE COLOR?
No, Cerakote has a wide range of colors on offer but they do not correspond to specific pantone colors. If your project requires a very specific pantone color, Cerakote's lab in the USA can computer mix a color for your needs. However there a USD 5000 charge for computer matching (subject to change without prior notice), and the price includes 8 gallons (30.2 Liters) of your color. The process can take several weeks or months so please contact us early in the process if needed.
WHAT IS CERAKOTE FX?
Cerakote FX is designed to give you more creative freedom with your Cerakote projects. FX colors include color shifting metallics as well as pearlescent options. It is an additive powder that is mixed into your coating to create a glittery and shimmer effect that is popular with fashion, consumer electric product, and automotive applications.
HOW DO I GET CERAKOTE TO BE MORE GLOSSY?
Fundamentally, Cerakote is most popular with matte finishes giving a luxurious feel. Some Cerakote colors do come a bit glossier but they are not meant to mimic the glossiness of say a car's automotive paint. You can also apply a clearcoat on top of Cerakote including H-300 Clear, MC156, MC-157, MC-160, and MC-161 for an additional level of glossiness. The gloss levels of H series colors can be adjusted based on the hardener mixing ratio as well as the curing temperature. The general rule is more hardener and higher curing temperatures will result in more gloss. Do keep in mind that while this is possible with H series, E series hardener mix ratios are restricted to 18:1 and you can only adjust curing temperature. E series colors are by nature more shiny and glossy than H series to begin with.
HOW LONG CAN CERAKOTE BE STORED?
Cerakote coatings typically has a shelf life of 9 months to a year when stored in a cool dark environment. We recommend you only order enough Cerakote for your immediate short term needs, and order additional coating as needed. Storing Cerakote properly will maximize its shelf life.
WHAT QUALITY STANDARDS DOES CERAKOTE ADHERE TO?
Cerakote performance is measured with ASTM standards and selected colors and series fulfill or exceed certain ASTM benchmarks. Cerakote is ROHS compliant.
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ASTM D3363. Exceeds 9h scratch and gouge hardness.
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ASTM D4060. Taber abrasion greater than 8000 wear cycles per mil.
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ASTM B117. Corrosion resistance more than 3000 hours.
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ASTM D2794. Direct and indirect impact resistance of 160 in-lbs.
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ASTM D522. 0mm coating loss at 180o mandrel bend.
HOW RESISTANT IS CERAKOTE TO SALT WATER CORROSION?
Cerakote outperforms most coatings available today, and complies with ASTM B117. See the video below to see how Cerakote finishes strong.
WHAT DOES CERAKOTE MAKE FOR CAR CARE?
Cerakote makes a range of products for automotive care that can be applied by anyone. The products are very easy to use and perform equally or better than comparable products on the market today.
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Cerakote Trim Coat
If your car has black vinyl bodywork and is a few years old, chances are that the dark black vinyl has started to fade over time. Cerakote Trim Coat is a durable coating that is wiped on and cured to restore that factory gloss black finishing.
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​Cerakote Headlight Restoration Kit
Cerakote Headlight Restoration Kit clarifies, restores and protects your headlights! The kit contains everything you need (except water and a towel.) No tools are required. And, because of our ceramic based proprietary coating, we guarantee it for as long as you own your vehicle!​
​Cerakote Tire Coat & Protectant
Experience a revitalized look for your tires with Cerakote's Rapid Ceramic Tire Coat. Simply spray the product on your tires and rub it in with our supplied high quality Cerakote foam applicator. Not only does Rapid Ceramic Tire Coat give a new look to your tires, but it lasts 10x longer than the leading tire coating!​
​Cerakote Rapid Ceramic Glass Coating
Ensure perfect visibility while driving in the rain by coating your windshield with Cerakote's Rapid Ceramic Glass coating.
​Cerakote Rapid Ceramic Paint Sealant
Protect your car's paint with Cerakote's Rapid Paint Sealant. Sprays right on and you simply wipe it evenly onto our car's body with a microfiber cloth.
​Cerakote Professional Ceramic Paint Coating
For the best automotive paint ceramic coating, Cerakote's Professional Ceramic Paint Coating is wiped on and air-cured to perform beyond 500 washes. For best results, curing must take place in ambient temperatures or 20 degrees celcius or above.
DO YOU OFFER A BASIC TRAINING COURSE FOR BEGINNERS?
If you would like to learn how to use Cerakote for private use, we offer a Basic Experience Program that teaches you the fundamentals and how to get started on single color application, with a touch of some pattern work. This 5 hour course can save you hundreds of hours trying to figure it out for yourself. We also share a lot of knowledge that is not available on the internet so you can avoid the pitfalls that can cost you time and money. See here for more details.
HOW MUCH IS THE CERTIFIED TRAINING PROGRAM & WHY SHOULD I DO IT?
Our certified training program is a certificate program for those who want to be listed as an approved applicator on the Cerakote website. Up to 3 persons from the same company can attend the program, and a certificate will be issued to each attendee under the same company name.
Being a certified applicator means that we will refer clients to you who are looking for Cerakote services. These can range from small retail projects to much larger manufacturing based projects, depending on the scale and capacity of your coating facility.
Certified applicators also gain inside knowledge on how to use Cerakote properly to ensure proper performance. While there are many online videos that show the basics of how to use Cerakote, the training program provides a lot of hands-on learning and information that is not available publicly on how to most effectively work with our coating. See here for more details.