When color comes into play - Ceracoating for the weapon

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"Black Rifles" are a beautiful thing. But Pink works too. We all know that life is more colorful than just black. A new technique from the USA has come to us, giving more color to the surface design of weapons. Cerakote is an extremely durable ceramic coating that can be used for camouflaging the weapon (Tan or OD for example) or for its striking design (Zombie Green or Girlie Pink, see above). Lukas offers this weapon coating in Vienna and we wanted to know from the master of Butch's Ceracoating how it works and what it can do:

SPARTANAT: What experiences have you had with working on or modifying weapons yourself?

Lukas: I am a trained weapon technician with a degree from HTBLVA Ferlach, I have already made some of my own guns, currently working part-time at a gunsmith and dealing with tuning modern short and long guns.SPARTANAT: What was the special appeal of Cerakote that led you to open your own company for it in Vienna?

Lukas: At first, I wanted it for my own pieces, especially for my self-made rifle, but I couldn't find anything in Europe that proved to be suitable in terms of durability, quality, surface texture, and price. After some research, I came across the products of NIC Industries, who developed Cerakote. At that time, it was not yet available in Europe, as the American military had bought up the entire production, especially to adapt their weapons for Iraq/Afghanistan. Also, the export of chemicals from the United States is even more complicated than the import of weapons, which does not make it easier. Years later, Powder Coating Nord near Hamburg got the distribution in Europe and that was the starting shot.SPARTANAT: Are only sports shooters interested in Cerakote so far, or have hunters (here) also become curious?

Lukas: It is mostly sports shooters and collectors, but hunters have also been customers, as bluing (a type of "rust", so-called noble rust) reacts with water and air and first turns into flash rust and ultimately into rust. Cerakote offers an alternative since it does not react and is extremely resistant to all kinds of acids and alkalis, which actually only offers advantages in daily hunting use.

SPARTANAT: What was your first Cerakote job?

Lukas: My first real work with Cerakote was my Long Range rifle in Magpul O.D. Green. And it still looks like new today.

SPARTANAT: When would you advise someone against coating a Glock with Cerakote?

Lukas: Actually, never, unless they want a new Glock in black - and a glossy black at that. It wouldn't make sense. But even in tough use, Cerakote holds up well, and no other hard layer will hold up better.SPARTANAT: How difficult is it to cerakote a pattern?

Lukas: Patterns are very complex because you first have to design the pattern, if the desired pattern doesn't already exist. Either they are covered with films, e.g. with Kryptek or Digital, or they are sprayed on with a very fine airbrush gun. Then several layers of paint have to be applied and allowed to dry in between and possibly continue to cover. All together, it takes several hours until a project is realized. Those who want it simple and cheap are well served with water transfer printing, as there are now a few providers in Austria. These films could then be protected with Cerakote Clear Coat instead of normal clear lacquer.SPARTANAT: What is your current favorite Cerakote color?

Lukas: My absolute favorite is currently Burnt Bronze, a very beautiful copper color, especially when mixed with Armor Black it looks extremely good! Among customers, Flat Dark Earth, Armor Black, and Socom Blue are currently booming. But Pink is also on the rise...

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