ColoradoKote

Precision Cerakote ceramic coatings for aerospace, defense, and industrial components.

Method

Three Stages of Polymer Coating

The same AS9100 quality system governs polymer coating operations, from surface preparation through final inspection.

Preparation
Substrate-Matched Surface Preparation

Surface cleaning and profiling are matched to the base material. Metal substrates receive blast profiling for mechanical adhesion. Polymer and composite substrates receive chemical surface activation. All preparation is documented under AS9100 protocols.

Application
Controlled Film Build

Polymer coating is applied via calibrated spray equipment in controlled layers. Film thickness is verified at each stage to achieve the specified build. Air-cure formulations eliminate the need for oven curing, accommodating oversized and heat-sensitive components.

Inspection
Performance Verification

Post-application inspection verifies film thickness, adhesion, visual appearance, and surface uniformity. Adhesion testing confirms bond integrity on the specific substrate. Full documentation accompanies every shipment with measured results.

Polymer coating process icon

The Polymer Coating Process

Polymer coatings form a continuous, flexible film that absorbs substrate movement without cracking or delamination. ColoradoKote applies polymer coatings under the same AS9100 quality system that governs ceramic operations, delivering documented quality for gaskets, seals, sliding interfaces, and chemically exposed surfaces.

Results

What Our Polymer Coating Delivers

Polymer coatings solve problems that rigid ceramic coatings cannot address. Each result is verified through standardized testing.

Full
Chemical Resistance Rating

Polymer coatings withstand acids, alkalis, solvents, and fuels that attack unprotected substrates. The continuous film prevents chemical penetration to the base material, extending service life in harsh chemical environments.

Low
Coefficient of Friction

Polymer coatings provide lubricious surfaces that reduce wear on sliding interfaces. The low friction coefficient minimizes heat generation and mechanical stress on dynamic components requiring smooth, consistent operation.

Flex
Substrate Conformability

Polymer films conform to substrate movement, vibration, and thermal cycling without adhesion loss or cracking. This flexibility makes polymer the correct choice for gaskets, seals, and components subject to repeated dynamic stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers about our coating processes and technical capabilities

Can sandblasting be performed on thin-wall or delicate components?

Yes. We operate dedicated low-pressure blasting at 40-60 PSI specifically for thin-wall, delicate, and additive manufacturing substrates. Reduced pressure prevents warping, peening damage, and dimensional distortion while still creating adequate surface profile for coating adhesion. Media selection is adjusted alongside pressure to match the substrate. This capability is critical for AM parts, medical devices, and precision aerospace components where dimensional integrity is non-negotiable.

Can ultrasonic cleaning improve the appearance of finished parts?

Yes. Surface contaminants affect how coating flows, levels, and cures. Oils cause fish-eye defects, particulates create bumps, and residual films cause adhesion-related coating flaws that mar appearance. Ultrasonic cleaning eliminates these contaminant sources, allowing Cerakote to produce the smooth, uniform, defect-free finish that aesthetic applications require. For color-critical work verified to Delta E 1.5, starting from an ultrasonically cleaned surface is essential for consistent appearance.

Can Cerakote maintain equipment identification colors in oil and gas environments?

Yes. Color coding for safety, system identification, and regulatory compliance maintains its accuracy through exposure to wellsite conditions. Cerakote's UV stability, chemical resistance, and 9H hardness prevent the fading, discoloration, and wear that make conventional paint unreadable on oilfield equipment. Our Delta E 1.5 color matching ensures replacement components match existing equipment for consistent field identification.

What is the turnaround for agricultural equipment coating?

Standard turnaround is 14 business days, with 7-day and 3-day expedited options available for time-sensitive equipment during planting and harvest seasons. We understand that farm equipment downtime has direct revenue impact, and our expedited processing helps minimize the window your equipment is out of service. Contact us early in your maintenance planning cycle for best scheduling flexibility.

Can you post-process defense AM components under ITAR?

Yes. All additive manufacturing post-processing for defense applications is performed within our ITAR-registered facility under controlled access. The same 40-60 PSI blasting, ultrasonic cleaning, and Cerakote application process applies, with the additional security controls required for defense technical data and components. Documentation meets both AS9100 and defense-specific quality requirements for full traceability of ITAR-controlled AM parts.

Ready for Polymer Coating

Describe your application requirements including substrate material, operating environment, and performance needs. Receive a recommendation with the appropriate polymer formulation.