CERAKOTE AIR-DRY CERAMIC COATINGS Reviews & Ratings

State-of-the-art, Cerakote™ Firearm Coatings provide a durable, weather- and corrosion-proof, ceramic-based protective finish that resists scratching, chipping, and abrasive cleaning solvents. Hardener and paint chemically bond into an ultra-thin coating that adheres to almost any surface for a clean, professional finish. Apply with your airbrush or HVLP touch-up gun for a smooth finish. Air Dry requires no baking and is tack free in 40 minutes, completely dry in 24 hours, and fully cured in 5 days.

SPECS: Air Dry Kit - Premixed and includes 4 fl. oz. Cerakote, (1) funnel filter, and instructions. Finishes up to 6 handguns or 2 to 3 long guns.

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3 Stars

Reviews Summary

Cerakote Air-Dry Ceramic Coatings generally impress users with their ease of application and aesthetic finish, though durability remains a point of contention. Many appreciate the air-dry feature, especially for non-bake applications, while others cite issues with thinness and color accuracy. Proper preparation emerges as crucial for optimal results.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Ease of Application

60%

Reviewers frequently highlight the product's user-friendly nature, noting that it can be applied easily using airbrushes or even simpler sprayers, with minimal requirement for mixing. Many first-time users report successful experiences, emphasizing how straightforward the process is when following instructions properly.

Durability Concerns

40%

While some users praise the durability of the Cerakote finish, a significant number express dissatisfaction, citing wear-off in high-friction areas. Comparisons to other coatings, particularly those that must be baked, often reveal that the air-dry version falls short in toughness, especially from a professional standpoint.

Color Accuracy

30%

A notable number of reviews mention discrepancies between the expected and actual colors of the finish. Common feedback indicates that certain shades appear lighter than anticipated, leading to mixed feelings about color consistency and accuracy in relation to Cerakote's color charts.

Proper Preparation

50%

Many reviewers stress that thorough preparation of surfaces is critical to achieving the best results with Cerakote. Those who follow detailed cleaning and sanding procedures often report satisfying outcomes, reinforcing the notion that preparation significantly impacts the product's performance.

Cost Effectiveness

25%

Several users mention the price point of the Cerakote, describing it as reasonable for a good quality coating compared to other options available in the market. Although some find it on the higher side, they generally accept it as a worthwhile investment for do-it-yourself firearm refinishing.

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Doesn't live up to the hype

Application with an airbrush was easy. But the durability of the coating is lacking

Not even in the same league as H series!

I purchsed 2 of these (black and O.D. green) for coating customer's rifles that are too long to fit into my oven... I knew it probably wouldn't be quite as tough as the oven cure (H series) version- NIC rates the H series as only 20% tougher... this is NOT true!! This stuff is weak.. I don't think they should even be allowed to put the same name "Cerakote" on this stuff, as it is nowhere near as durable as H series. I know - lots of bad reviews come from user-error, but believe me when I tell you, I am a professional, career gunsmith, and own my own shop... I have used Duracoat, Teflon/Moly, Gunkote, and even tried Alumahyde... I will tell you that even Duracoat can outperform this junk! And yes, I properly blasted the parts with 120 grit alu-ox, thoroughly cleaned and degreased, completely aired out, and applied a thin, wet (no run) layer over the parts, and not only did I not touch for 24 hours, I LET THE PARTS HANG FOR THE FULL 5 DAYS BEFORE HANDLING! The first rifle, a Rem 700, comprised the finish inside bolt raceways, and under the scope base!! The second, an AK, was even worse.. I wish you could see how horrible it looks underneath the safety selector... cutting a groove straight down to metal under it's tip... After refinishing the AK in H series graphite black, it's hard as a rock, and doesn't have a single blemish under ANY moving part! And the WORST part? This junk COSTS MORE than oven cure does! Perhaps for people who cannot handle mixing the hardener for H series, or for parts that cannot bake, this stuff is "ok"... but I'd rather use Duracoat for those tasks. This stuff does seem to retain chemical resistance, as after cured, I cannot get any to come off with acetone or lacquer thinner.. but it's scratch resistance is a joke! NIC - guys you dropped the ball on this one!