Any Cerakote Applicators Here?

[Olympus]

Thinking of starting up a small refinishing business (I know, right? Custom grip business and FFL dealer and now refinishing business?) using Cerakote. I think there is a market for this in my area as there is nobody within 2 hours driving distance that offers refinishing.

I've tried Duracoat in the past and the results were terrible. Even following the directions to the letter. Heard and read a lot of good reviews on cerakote. Here are my thoughts and maybe you all can tell me what you think and what you'd do differently if you were me.

-Start small. Only offer solid color choices for handguns only. Can do more than one color, just not patterns or stencils.

-My shop space is limited until next fall when we will be building a new larger shop. So I don't have space for a large expensive blasting cabinet.

-I already have a small portable blaster that I use for bead blasting that works great. I just use it outside and the media is not collected. Just blows away. They are inexpensive and work pretty well. Thinking of buying another to use for strictly aluminum oxide to blast for cerakote prep.

-Already have a HVLP gun and decent air compressor.

-Have racks to use for hanging.

-Worst case scenario I can use the kitchen oven for heat curing. But I was considering buying a countertop convection oven. It would just have to be large enough to hang the parts in.

I'm thinking that if I start small, I can use inexpensive equipment until I see some business growth to justify reinvesting in better equipment and then I'll have a larger shop built as well. Interested in hearing thoughts, especially from those who already do applications like this.

 

[BSA1]

Do you need a paint booth?

 

[Olympus]

I don't think so. I've got a ventilation system in my shop.

 

[N.Schafer]

What problems did you have with duracoat?

 

[Olympus]

I did a couple 1911s. The finish started flashing off the heads of the pins first. Then the face of the hammer. Then the edges of the gun. I won't waste my time and money on Duracoat again.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Go to Cerakote or to Trinidad State Gunsmithing School to be certified to cerakote stuff. The latter has two instructors who were trained by Cerakote.

 

[Olympus]

Go to Cerakote or to Trinidad State Gunsmithing School to be certified to cerakote stuff. The latter has two instructors who were trained by Cerakote.

I called Cerakote about their school. $1500 for 2 days at their facility in Oregon and you are required to have a brick and mortar store before you can be certified by them.

I don't have a brick and mortar store.

 

[CMC]

Cerakote is ok but gun kote is better IMHO.

Cerakote cannot be retouched and has a one year shelf life and it is very expensive, leftover has to be used within 2 hours or wasted.
I Prefer Gun kote because it allows you to retouch it or apply several coats, it is cheaper and does not go bad , left over can saved and used.
Also you dont have to add a hardener , just shake it.

Is cerakote more durable?, I dont think it is any better or worse in my experience using both products.
1500 dollars for training might be better spent on a baking oven available at Brownells that allows you to do rifles and shotguns.

 

[Keeperfaith]

I started out with Duracoat, I still like it. The color selection is unmatched. I use a Passche Airbrush and a 30 gallon compressor (set to 30 PSI for airbrushing with either Dura or Cera). I've also used the C-Series Cerakote (airdry), I haven't used the H-Series Oven cured.

The Duracoat does take a few weeks to fully cure, so you may want to leave it alone for a while. I've found the Cerakote to be tougher.

The blasting cabinet I bought is a $200 dollar job from Habor Frieght tools and I have a connection in Houston for Aluminum Oxide (in the WHITE).

I have a buddy who uses the oven cured Cerakote and from what he says the odor is pretty strong (the wife may get mad when the house smells like chemicals/paint) when it bakes inside. I'd find a cheap used oven from Craigslist to put in your shop (something I want to still do).'

I don't have a business but I've been non stop busy for the past month or so w/ "jobs" for friends and family. I don't charge a lot like these places you send your guns off to but I like it as a hobby and I like bringing guns back to life that needed it.

I use stencils from Brownells, they are really inexpensive and give great results.

Sorry, I'm jumping around a bit based on your post but I'll be happy to help you out w/ any info regarding Cera/Duracoat.

Thanks
Steve

PS: here's some pics of my own work...

 

[Keeperfaith]

More Pics, remember I did this in my garage...I know that you will attract business w/ competitive prices and good work.

Steve