ColoradoKote
Precision Cerakote ceramic coatings for aerospace, defense, and industrial components.
Three Stages of Aerospace-Grade Ceramic Coating
Each stage is controlled, measured, and documented to deliver repeatable Cerakote® performance across production volumes.
Parts are solvent-cleaned, degreased, and media blasted to create the optimal surface profile for coating adhesion. Critical dimensions, threads, and mating surfaces are precision-masked to preserve tolerances.
Cerakote® ceramic coating is applied via calibrated HVLP spray at 0.5-2 mils thickness. In-process DFT gauges verify uniform coverage. Advanced Applicator-certified technicians maintain Delta E ≤1.5 color consistency across every run.
Coated parts cure at 250-300F in temperature-monitored ovens. The prescribed cure schedule bonds the ceramic-polymer matrix to the substrate, producing a durable, abrasion-resistant, chemical-resistant, and flammability-resistant coating with 9H pencil hardness and 3,000 hours of ASTM B117 salt spray resistance.
How the Cerakote® Application Process Works
ColoradoKote applies Cerakote® as a thin-film ceramic-polymer composite that delivers corrosion, abrasion, chemical, and flammability resistance without altering part dimensions. At 0.5-2 mils, Cerakote preserves tight tolerances that powder coating (4-6 mils) and plating cannot match. Every coating job runs through dedicated Cerakote equipment, operated by NIC Advanced Certified Applicators, and tracked under our AS9100 quality system from intake to shipment.
Measurable Performance from a Controlled Process
Every metric below is verified through standardized testing and documented in your Certificate of Conformance.
First-Pass Quality Rate
Components meet coating thickness, adhesion, and color specifications on the first application without rework or recoating.
Standard Turnaround
Standard turnaround from receipt of parts. 3- or 7-day expedited service available for production urgency.
Aerospace Components Per Year
Annual capacity across military and commercial aerospace programs, including spec-proven multi-year production programs for multiple manufacturers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about our coating processes and technical capabilities
Our services form a complete finishing pipeline. Ultrasonic cleaning removes contamination. Sandblasting creates the mechanical bonding surface. Custom color matching develops and verifies your specified appearance. Cerakote or polymer coating provides the functional and aesthetic finish layer. For AM parts, this entire sequence transforms raw 3D-printed components into production-quality finished parts. Running all steps in one facility under one AS9100 quality system eliminates the handoff risks and quality gaps of multi-vendor finishing.
Ultrasonic cleaning and sandblasting serve different purposes and typically complement each other in the coating preparation sequence. Ultrasonic cleaning removes chemical and organic contaminants (oils, fluids, films) from the substrate. Sandblasting creates the mechanical anchor profile for coating adhesion. For the highest coating performance, we use ultrasonic cleaning first to remove contaminants, followed by sandblasting for surface profile, then proceed to coating application. The sequence matters.
For the most accurate quote, provide part quantity, substrate material, overall dimensions, surface area to be coated, any masking requirements, color or finish specification, applicable industry specifications, and your target timeline. Drawings or CAD files help us plan surface preparation and coating application efficiently. For specification-driven work, include the applicable mil-spec, customer spec, or industry standard reference.
Every Certificate of Conformance includes the spectrophotometer Delta E measurement for that production lot, the reference standard used for comparison, and the instrument calibration date. This provides your quality team with objective, instrument-verified color data rather than subjective visual assessment. For AS9100 and defense work, the Delta E measurement is part of the full inspection data package alongside coating thickness, adhesion, and visual inspection results.
Yes. Cerakote's thermal rating of -40 degrees F to 2,000 degrees F (V-Series) far exceeds standard autoclave temperatures of 250-275 degrees F. The coating maintains adhesion, color consistency, and corrosion protection through hundreds of sterilization cycles. Pencil hardness of 9H (ASTM D3363) means instrument markings and color coding remain intact despite repeated handling and reprocessing.
Start Your Cerakote® Project
Submit your project details and receive a quote within 24 business hours, including technical approach, pricing, and lead time.