If you want weather and scratch resistance as well as wear and weather protection, Cerakote is the way to go as long as it is applied by a certified applicator.
Gun Kote, when appropriately applied, can be compared to high-quality paint. It is an easy “at home” process that can produce fast results.
Also, Gun Kote takes a lot of time to cure fully. As a result, you won’t be shooting any soon. During Cerakote applications, the temperature is carefully controlled within a very specific range to ensure a perfect bond.
On the other hand, Gun Kote dries by exposure to air. While Gun Kote works well in many applications with little wear, I believe the Cerakote will last longer.
Gun Kote Vs. Cerakote – Which One Is Better?
It is actually quite difficult to make this decision. In addition to their thinness, wear-resistance, heat resistance, and resistance to a wide range of chemical cleaners, both of these coatings are immensely useful.
What Is KG Gun Kote?
Cerakote’s biggest competitor is Gun Kote. Both coatings are touted as “the best” for firearms, and both are comparable when tested against chemicals, corrosions, and also for durability. In addition to 2400 Series (Oven Cure), KG Gun Kote offers 1200 Air Cure Series as well.
The standard KG Gun Kote is the 2400 Series, which offers heat dissipation, scratch resistance, impact resistance, corrosion resistance, and lubrication, durability.
It will flex up to a 180-degree bend even though it is a one-part mix. And it can also be used in spray dip/spin applications. Unless you want a different finish for your application, you don’t have to preheat Gun Kote. Thicknesses between .0003′′ and .0004′′ are optimal. It takes about an hour to cure.
The 1200 Air Cure series are single-part coatings that will create flexible yet hard layers. The cure time for this compound is only 80 minutes at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Parts that are not suitable for high-temperature baking can be coated in this method.
Pros
- It has a quick cure time.
- It can also be used for dipping.
- It is less expensive than Cerakote.
Cons
- You need to have access to a spray gun or a blaster.
What Is Cerakote?
According to Cerakote, they claim that it is not paint. Instead, it’s a Polymer-Ceramic coating. This coating can be applied to plastics, metals, wood, and polymers.
Their most popular series is the H-Series (oven cure). There is also the C-Series/High Temp Firearm (air cure). Out of all the standard Cerakote products, the H-Series is by far the most durable. It is a two-part coating consisting of paint and hardener.
The H-Series is available in dozens of colors and can withstand 500 degrees F. Curing occurs after parts have been baked and cooled. On the other hand, the C-Series is a one-part coating. This coating is capable of withstanding 2,000 degrees F, and it takes five days to cure fully.
This series of coating is primarily used on optics, barrels, and muzzle brakes. Heat, scratches, chemicals, and ultraviolet damage are not a problem for Cerakote. Cerakote should be applied in a thickness of 0.0005″ to 0.001.
Pros
- Known to be highly durable.
- A lot of color options.
- You can even mix the colors.
- It has a quick cure time.
Cons
- The applicant must possess a spray gun, an oven (for the H-Series), and a blaster
- Unlike other coatings, it is more expensive.
- After mixing, 2-part coatings cannot be reused.
Difference Between Gun Kote & Cerakote
Let’s have a look at some of the common differences between the two.
Colors
Colors are going to be the most obvious difference between the two. In the beginning, KG developed Gun Kote products for the Navy Seals and the Naval Surface Warfare Center. So, there was no consideration for color. In most cases, black is sufficient for operators.
Shooters use Cerakote because it’s a coating that can be colored and blended to fit any situation. Furthermore, they may be used to enhance the looks of pistols and rifles with visible finishes.
As a result, the product concept itself was developed with a wide array of colors. Cerakote aimed to produce highly customizable ceramic finishes that were tough and durable.
Outcome
Preparation is essential to the success of any coating. The shop that does the work and their experience will make a bigger difference in the outcome than the brand if you are looking for a long-lasting, durable finish. That also applies in this case.
Blasting the weapon with air is necessary. The thin coating must be properly handled to ensure that it adheres evenly to the surface after the oil has been removed. Preparation is the key to good results with either coating.
Availability
There are several different series offered by both companies for various applications. Taking that into account, a true apples-to-apples comparison is impossible.
Let us know what you’re trying to accomplish, and we’ll recommend the best product for it. Cerakote is likely to be our choice for most firearms.
Popularity
Lastly, there is another characteristic that sets them apart. The shop that offers high-quality coatings is very likely to recommend Cerakote.
The final product should make you happy. Later down the road, you wouldn’t want to find that your gun has scratches, wear marks, and blotches.
Cerakote is the choice of most shops that are serious about coatings. It’s for a good reason. Aside from the lack of color options, there is nothing wrong with KG Gun Kote.
Why Is CeraKote Better?
“A paintable finish” is what Cerakote is all about. Apparently, it is not paint, so as they say, the company doesn’t like calling it paint. A baked version is available, as well as a non-bakeable version.
Under normal daily use, it can last longer than some of the traditional procedures like parkerizing, browning, or blueing. It is necessary to carefully clean and degrease the surface. This helps protect steel by parkerizing it. In addition to adhering to the surface, this is an extra level of corrosion protection.
The coating (because it is thinnest here) is more likely to rub off wherever there is a sharp corner on the gun. It is preferred for non-traditional firearm colors by people who have Cerakoted many firearms.
With Cerakote, your firearm will remain rust-free and will not wear out as quickly. Professionals are needed to complete the procedure, and the original coating needs to be properly removed to promote adhesion.
It is possible to work with plastics, polymers, metals, etc. Other people have said that internals should not be done, which is wrong. Internals are also possible. This will add lubricity to the system if done correctly.
Artists can choose any color or pattern, but the options depend on their level of expertise with blending colors and layering.
For DIY enthusiasts, consider Duracoat because it is more forgiving than most Cerakote coatings, and it cures by air instead of baking.
Final Words
There are hundreds of colors available in Cerakote, a protective finish that is fairly durable. Unlike traditional paints, high-tech paints do not bind to surfaces. That is what Cerakote is.
In addition to offering excellent protection, it is also fairly resistant to abrasion. You can use it to enhance an EDC gun or just to achieve a particular look.
The pros and cons of each coating are generally the same. Choosing the right finish for you will depend on what is most comfortable for you.
Cerakote is used 99% of the time, but KG is also used from time to time. And that concludes our article on Gun Kote Vs. Cerakote.
Also, Read- How To Shoot A Pistol Grip Shotgun?
Leave a Reply