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Duracoat vs Cerakote
It’s funny how time and again we talk about something that has nothing to do with gun optics. We regularly get questions from our readers on other gun-related issues besides riflescopes. Someone may be wondering; why would anyone care about the firearm Finish i.e Duracoat vs Cerakote? To the best of my knowledge, we have found out that it matters for several gun owners. I personally, like a rifle with a black finish… cars, music player, printer, dustbin everything black.
Importance of Good Firearm Finish
The firearm finish not only determines the durability of your weapon but it also protects it from external elements such as rust. The main purpose of the finish is to protect the gun but that is not the only reason. The right finish not only protects your firearm but it also gives it a sleek look. Long gone are the days when you only had to choose between black and stainless steel finish for your firearm.
Firearm Finish Options
Today, you have a variety of finish options to choose from. More people today are warming up to the idea of having a customized firearm that matches their personality. Changing the finish of your firearm is one of the best ways to customize and personalize your weapon. You can even use stencils for patterns and different designs if you are artistically inclined.
Duracoat vs Cerakote Comparision
Duracoat and Cerakote are the most popular type of firearm finish available today. The coatings can be used for firearms, for an outdoor tool including axes, tree stands, knives and other equipment used for fishing.
These coatings let you customize your gun and protect it from damage. The two custom firearm finishes Duracoat and Cerakote have had conflicts that at the court federal court over intellectual property rights. However; they both have their advantages and disadvantages.
In this article, we will be discussing each finish so as to help you have a better understanding of the custom finish. When you have a better understanding of each firearm finish, you will be able to make an informed decision of the custom finish that best suits your requirements.
Difference Between Duracoat and Cerakote
- Duracoat finish is easy to apply and is mostly done like spray paint while some Cerakote finishes need a paint gun, and air compressor to apply the coating.
- The Duracoat finish dries in 1 hour, can be handled in 24 hours, but willfully set in for 4 to 6 weeks while the H-series Cerakote is oven-cured at 250 degrees F for two hours and is fully cured as soon as the firearm is cooled to room temperature.
- Cerakote is hard to apply and you can accidentally ruin the gun if the finish gets into certain crevices of the gun.
- The Duracoat finish is limited in its creativity, unlike the Cerakote that offers you a range of options to explore your creativity.
- Duracoat is very affordable for the practical shooter but the Cerakote finish is relatively expensive.
- The Duracoat finish provides you with 257 standard colors including the popular clear coat while the H-series Cerakote offers you 102 colors.
- The Duracoat finish colors can be blended to create any colors across the spectrum while the H-series Cerakote colors look natural and are more inclined toward the metallic sheen.
Cerakote Finish
The Cerakote finish is a ceramic based finish that is designed to give your firearm a custom look while protecting it from external elements. The finish provides a ceramic base that is very hard and strong. It can be applied to metal, wood, and polymers. The Cerakote finish is manufactured by NIC industries, a reputed brand that is known for providing finishes that are durable and that have an immense amount of color options.
Cerakote Finish Classes
The Cerakote finishes can be categorized into two main series: the premixed air-cured series and the oven-cured series that has paint and hardener mixes. The most popular and widely used Cerakote finish is the oven-cured H-series that is used for firearms, knives, eyewear, and consumer electronics. The finish is more expensive since it is ceramic.
To apply the finish on your gun, you need a good degreaser to strip the old finish from the gun. Some Cerakote finishes need an oven for curing the parts while the finishes that don’t require an oven need 5 days to fully cure.
Features of Cerakote Finish
- Ceramic-based finish
- Manufactured by NIC industries
- Categorized into two main series: the premixed air-cured series and the oven-cured series
- H-series Cerakote is oven-cured at 250 degrees F for two hours
- H-series Cerakote offers you 102 colors
Pros
- Cerakote has a good degree of lubricity thus acting as a lubricant when the finish has been applied on the gun; you, therefore, need less lubricant.
- The Cerakote finish attracts less dirt, dust and other particles thus keeping the gun cleaner and ensuring better operation.
- Cerakote provides a more effective barrier against oxidation and corrosion making it ideal for firearms used in a marine environment.
- Some Cerakote finishes need an oven for curing the parts.
- Cerakote’s parent company offers training courses to help you learn how to correctly apply Cerakote finishes.
Cons
- Applying Cerakote is challenging and requires a professional if the finish gets into the firing pin channel of a Glock your gun will be ruined.
- Cerakote requires you to total disassemble the firearm and then sandblast the frame so the coating can adhere to it.
Duracoat Finish
Duracoat is a chemical based finish that comes in two parts to finish. The first coating is the color of your choice and the second is a clear coat.
Duracoat is a permanent coating that is available in a wide range of colors to let you customize your firearm in any way that matches your personality and needs.
It is very easy to apply the finish since no specialized equipment or training is needed. The finish comes in a variety of different strengths and different convenience type designs to match the needs of different users.
The standard Duracoat is capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 600 degrees while the DuraHeat can withstand temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees.
Duracoat is Cheaper
Duracoat is the cheaper and is available for around 35 dollars for 12 ounces. The Duracoat manufacturer has diversified to more than firearm coating by creating coatings for coils, extrusions, and tubes.
The DuraCoat coating for firearms comes in paint and hardener mixes or in the new DuraCoat aerosol cans. It provides you with 257 standard colors including the popular clear coat.
The colors can be blended to create almost any colors across the spectrum and are available in either matte or semi-gloss. However; the colors can be blended to create different levels of brightness and gloss.
Features of DuraCoat Finish
- Cheaper
- Chemical based finish
- Standard Duracoat can withstand temperatures of up to 600 degree
- DuraHeat can withstand temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees
- 257 standard colors
- Paint and hardener mixes for firearms coatings
- The company sells a Camopak kit with pattern and paint
Pros
- The company sells a Camopak kit with pattern and paint to make it easier for you to create your own patterns or stencils.
- It provides you with 257 standard colors to let you customize your firearm in any way that matches your personality and needs.
- The colors can be blended to create almost any colors across the spectrum and are available in either matte or semi-gloss.
- The duracoat manufacturer has diversified to more than firearm coating by creating coatings for coils, extrusions, and tubes.
- It is very easy to apply the finish since no specialized equipment or training is needed.
- The finish comes in a variety of different strengths and different convenience type designs to match the needs of different users.
- The standard Duracoat is capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 600 degrees while the DuraHeat can withstand temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees.
- It is more affordable.
- DuraCoat is air-cured and will take 3 to 6 weeks to fully cure.
Cons
- DuraCoat is less durable than Cerakote.
Conclusion
In this battle of the brands, Cerakote carries the day for those who are looking for durability. However; DuraCoat is also durable and offers you a wide range of options to customize your firearm. If you are on a budget and you need a quality finish to personalize your gun; the Duracoat finish is the ideal choice for you.
It is easier to apply and you can do it yourself in your garage. Cerakote, on the other hand, is strong and durable but difficult to apply. It is better left to professionals since the wrong application can ruin your firearm. If you decide to apply the Cerakote finish yourself, ensure that you use a different oven and not your kitchen oven since the fumes can linger and contaminate your food.
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