Cerakote.

[46and2]

I really want start doing Cerakote for myself.
The reading I've been doing on it so far looks like I'll need a 20 gal tank compressor with 2 to 3 hp motor. I'd like to use a HPLV gun.
They thave Air Cure Cerakote now but I don't know if it's as durable. My oven probably isn't big enough for a barreled action, I was wondering if I could build a hot box or if I could use a heat gun and laser thermometer for curing?
Does anyone do Cerakote here?

 

[DngBat7]

I have only used it for myself. Mostly air dry. I will say the air dry is very durable if you do the prep work correct. Or you can build a oven out of a old locker, insulation and a hot plate, I’m sure you can look it up. But the only advise I will give is wherever you do it, make sure you have it VERY well ventilated and wear a respirator. That stuff is potent and can make you sick.

 

[STOMP442]

Prep work is key. Other than that its pretty simple. I gutted an old non working upright deep freeze and wired in a range element in the bottom and use the top rack to hang parts and barreled actions from. Takes about an hour for it to get up to temp but it maxes out at just under 300 degrees which is perfect. I also use a simple cheap air brush from Harbor freight that is about 10 bucks and works 10 times better than the $200 one I bought from Amazon when I was first getting into it. Use it 5 or six times, throw it away and go buy another one.

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Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!

www.harborfreight.com

 

[46and2]

Prep work is key. Other than that its pretty simple. I gutted an old non working upright deep freeze and wired in a range element in the bottom and use the top rack to hang parts and barreled actions from. Takes about an hour for it to get up to temp but it maxes out at just under 300 degrees which is perfect. I also use a simple cheap air brush from Harbor freight that is about 10 bucks and works 10 times better than the $200 one I bought from Amazon when I was first getting into it. Use it 5 or six times, throw it away and go buy another one.

Harbor Freight Tools – Quality Tools at Discount Prices Since 1977

Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!

www.harborfreight.com

What kind of air compressor do you have?

 

[STOMP442]

I have this one and I have been very happy with it so far.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Campbell-Hausfeld-DC200100-20-Gallon-1-3-HP-Oil-Free-Air-Compressor/51495094

 

[46and2]

I have this one and I have been very happy with it so far.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Campbell-Hausfeld-DC200100-20-Gallon-1-3-HP-Oil-Free-Air-Compressor/51495094

So thr 1.3hp is adequate?
Thats good.

 

[STOMP442]

More than adequate for everything I have done. I keep the pressure turned down to about 40psi which seems to work best with that harbor freight brush. The directions for the brush say 25psi max but it seems to spray much more evenly at about 40. Don't forget the inline filter as well. You can pick one up from Home Depot for about six bucks.

 

[46and2]

Prep work is key.

Is it mandatory to blast the surface to be Cerakoated?

 

[STOMP442]

I don't like blasting. It is just a huge pita. Depends on the project though. Most of the time I will just scuff up a project with a course pad. The de-greasing stage I think is the most important. De-grease, put in oven for about 20 min, de-grease again and back in for another 20 min. Repeat if necessary then coat and back in the oven for 2.5 hours. I have been happy with my results so far.

 

[gme]

I do a several hundred Cerakote jobs yearly, if you want your work to last, you must abrasive blast, we use 100 grit AO, If your painting greasy parts thoroughly de grease everything before blasting (or your media will become contaminated) then pre bake the parts to make sure any residual oil is baked off, as for the oven you can use an electric smoker, most of them are fairly tall (you might need to separate the action from the barrel) but otherwise have adequate room for a rifle, they get plenty hot enough to do the job, just need to make up a racking system. MAKE SURE YOU WEAR A PROPER RESPIRATOR

 

[jkohler]

You’ll need a compressor with at least 15cfm @90 psi as not to run it to death with a good blast cabinet 60 to 80 gallon tank. The HF cabinet will work with lots of mods to it. By a good spray gun the Iwata is a fantastic gun. The hanger kit Cerakote sells is worth the cost but I get my plugs and caps from other places along with the tape. Simple green mixed 50/50 works well for degreasing and cheaper than acetone. I also switched to 120 garnet for blasting a ways back as it’s much cheaper and does a great job.

 

[jkohler]

As far a a curing oven you can built one out of a cheap gun cabinet. Line the inside with mineral wool insulation then sheet metal over that. Fire brick the bottom get a good 3500w heating element and wire it up to a PID controller and relay. The one I built will heat up o 300 In less than 5 minutes and stays cool to the touch on the outside. I usually run mine at 250 for metal parts unless it’s elite series and 180 for polymer and for tacking out for multiple colors.

 

[DirtySteve]

You can use a pvc pipe with a cap to degrease your barrel and action... But a word of caution, Acetone will eat through it if left for an extended period..

 

[EOD Rob]

For an oven, I use 2 pieces of stove pipe I bought at Lowe's with a cap and thermometer in the side. I use a hot plate for heat. the hot plate is cheap and adjustable and make it easy to keep the right temp. Of course, i only use this for barreled actions that will not fit in the house oven. Note, you do not want the bottom end of what ever you are spraying to get to close to the hot plate. It will discolor the Cerakote.
To add, Air cure is stronger then heat cure when it comes to heat resistance. Also, I have never had any issues with toughness either.

Hope this helps!
Rob

 

[jwink]

I bought myself a used electric oven for 50 bucks at the local appliance store to bake my cerakote in, works great, cheap, excellent temperature control, I also used 120 garnet for blasting and acetone for degreasing along with a half hour at 300 for a bake off before coating, have enjoyed excellent results.