Painting your firearm is a great way to protect it from the elements and wear and tear. It can also be a great way to personalize your gun and make it look unique. There are a number of different ways to paint your gun, but the two most popular methods are cerakoting and spray painting.
Both cerakoting and spray painting have their pros and cons, and it’s important to know all of the facts before you decide which method is right for you. This article will give you an overview of both methods, as well as the pros and cons of each, to help you make an informed decision.
What is Cerakoting? Cerakoting is the process of applying a ceramic coating to the surface of a firearm. This ceramic coating is incredibly durable, and it is designed to provide superior protection against corrosion and wear and tear. Cerakoting is also incredibly versatile and can come in a variety of colors and finishes, including matte, satin, and polished. It can also be used to create unique, custom designs. Cerakoting is especially useful when applied to firearms that are exposed to harsh weather conditions and heavy usage, such as hunting and tactical weapons. The coating will protect the underlying material from corrosion and wear and tear, and it will give the firearm a distinctive look that won’t fade or wear off over time. Cerakoting will also prevent oils and lubricants from accumulating on the surface of the gun, which can help keep it in top condition.
The Pros of Cerakoting Cerakoting has several advantages over spray painting. Firstly, it is much more durable than traditional spray painting. The ceramic coating provides superior dry and wet abrasion resistance and will not fade or wear off over time. Secondly, Cerakoting is much easier to apply than traditional spray painting and is also more cost-effective in the long run. Additionally, Cerakoting offers a wide variety of finishes and can be used to create custom designs, which is especially useful when creating a unique look for a firearm. Lastly, Cerakoting prevents oil and lubricants from accumulating on the surface of the gun, which can help keep it in top condition.
The Cons of Cerakoting Although Cerakoting has many pros, there are a few cons that you should be aware of. The first is that it is more expensive than traditional spray painting. Cerakoting requires specialized equipment and training, which will add to the cost. If you are looking to keep the costs down, you may want to consider a cheaper option. Another con of Cerakoting is that it is difficult to fix if it is damaged. The ceramic coating is applied in thin layers, making it difficult to repair any chips or cracks in the finish. Additionally, many Cerakoted firearms will become discolored if exposed to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures, which can be difficult to reverse.
What is Spray Painting?
Spray painting is a commonly used way to refinish or personalize firearms. spray painting is a relatively inexpensive alternative to Cerakoting and can be done at home with the right supplies and safety gear. When spray painting, it is important to use paint specifically designed for firearms; regular spray paint can be toxic and may damage the firearm.
Spray painting involves applying several layers of paint to the firearm. This gives you a wide range of colors and custom designs to choose from. The downside of this method is that the paint is susceptible to scratches and wear, which means that the firearm will need to be frequently reapplied with paint. The paint may also have a shorter lifespan than Cerakoting, which could make it necessary to repaint the firearm more often.
The Pros of Spray Painting
One of the major advantages of spray painting your firearm over Cerakoting is the sheer amount of customization that can be achieved with it. With the right supplies and safety gear, you can create custom designs and colors that would be impossible to achieve with Cerakoting. Furthermore, spray paint is generally cheaper than Cerakoting, which is important if you are looking to upgrade your firearm on a budget.
Another benefit of spray painting is that it is easy to apply and does not require any special skills or tools. With a few basic steps, you can easily paint your firearm in a few hours and have it looking brand-new again. Lastly, spray paint can last anywhere from two to five years, depending on how frequently it is used and how it is maintained.
The Cons of Spray Painting
The cons of spray painting must be taken into consideration by anyone who is looking for a lasting finish for their firearm. Although spray paint is fairly durable, it does not hold up as well against wear, tear, and corrosion when compared to Cerakoting. It is more susceptible to the elements, especially the sun's UV rays, which can cause the paint to fade over time.
Additionally, spray painting can be difficult to apply correctly and evenly, which can leave an uneven coating that will not look aesthetically pleasing. This is especially true when attempting to cover intricate designs and complex shapes, as some surfaces may not properly absorb the paint. Lastly, spray painting your firearm is restricted in some areas, so always check with your local ordinances before attempting to spray paint your firearm.
Which is better?
When it comes to finding the best finish for your firearm, Cerakoting and spray painting both have their pros and cons. Cerakoting provides a highly durable and resistant finish, but it is a more costly and involved process. Spray painting is cheaper and easier to apply, but it is not as durable and is quickly affected by wear, tear, and exposure to the elements.
Ultimately, it comes down to preference and personal preference. Cerakoting is better suited for those looking for a permanent, highly durable finish while spray painting may be the better option for those looking for a quicker, cheaper solution. However, if you are looking for a long-lasting finish, Cerakoting is the more recommended choice which is why we offer it on all of our rifle builds. Build yours today at www.wolfparkarmoryusa.com