ColoradoKote
Precision Cerakote ceramic coatings for aerospace, defense, and industrial components.
Three Stages of Surface Preparation
Eighty percent of coating failures trace to inadequate surface preparation. Every stage is controlled and documented to prevent this.
Solvent Cleaning Per SSPC-SP 1
Parts are solvent-cleaned to remove machining oils, cutting fluids, and handling residues. This initial decontamination prevents contaminants from being driven into the surface profile during blasting. Visual inspection confirms a clean surface before media contact.
Controlled Media Blasting at 40-80 PSI
Media type and blast pressure are selected for the substrate. Aluminum oxide creates 2-4 mil anchor patterns on steel and titanium. Glass bead provides gentle profiling for aluminum and thin-walled AM parts. Precision masking protects critical dimensions throughout.
Profile and Dimensional Confirmation
Surface profile is verified with calibrated gauges per ASTM D4417. For AM parts, CMM measurement confirms dimensional integrity within ±0.005 inches before and after blasting. Parts transfer to coating within 2-4 hours to prevent recontamination.
The Surface Preparation Process
Proper surface preparation creates the mechanical bond sites that anchor coating at the molecular level. ColoradoKote maintains AS9100-certified preparation processes with media selection matched to each substrate, preserving dimensional tolerances on precision components including additive manufacturing parts.
What Our Surface Prep Delivers
Surface preparation quality is measured, documented, and traceable to each part for complete quality evidence.
Anchor Profile Depth
Aluminum oxide media creates a consistent 2-4 mil surface profile that maximizes coating adhesion. Profile depth is verified with calibrated gauges and documented per ASTM D4417 for every job.
SSPC Surface Cleanliness
SSPC-SP 10 near-white blast removes 95% of surface contaminants, creating the cleanliness level required for maximum coating bond strength. Uniform profiles ensure consistent adhesion across the entire part geometry.
Tolerance on AM Parts
Controlled blast pressure and fine media selection maintain dimensional tolerances within ±0.005 inches on additive manufacturing parts. CMM verification before and after blasting confirms zero dimensional distortion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about our coating processes and technical capabilities
Yes. Valve bodies, flow restrictors, and downhole tool components with internal passages and complex geometries receive targeted blast preparation. Nozzle selection and blast angle are adjusted to reach recessed areas and internal surfaces. Critical sealing surfaces and threads are masked before blasting. The goal is complete SP 10 preparation on all surfaces that will receive coating, while protecting dimensions and features that must remain uncoated.
Yes. Multi-color applications use precision masking to achieve clean color separation lines. Each color layer is applied and cured separately, with spectrophotometer verification against the specified color standards. Cerakote's 0.5-2 mil thickness means multiple color layers do not create noticeable build-up or edge steps. Pattern documentation is maintained under AS9100 so the same camouflage pattern is repeatable across production quantities.
Polymer coatings are flexible, chemical-resistant finishes designed for parts that flex, vibrate, or face chemical immersion that would challenge rigid ceramic coatings. While Cerakote excels in hardness, abrasion resistance, and corrosion protection, polymer coatings provide superior flexibility and elongation properties. ColoradoKote offers both coating types and helps you select the right solution based on your operating environment. Some applications benefit from combining both in a multi-layer system.
H-Series is the standard for corrosion protection, delivering 3,000 hours salt spray resistance (ASTM B117) and operating up to 500 degrees F continuous. Elite Series adds the same corrosion performance with a ~0.11 coefficient of friction for moving parts in corrosive environments. V-Series is rated to 2,000 degrees F for high-temperature corrosive service like exhaust systems and flare equipment. We select the series based on your operating temperature, chemical exposure, and whether moving surfaces require dry lubrication.
Yes. Suspension components including control arms, knuckles, and spring mounts operate in the harshest automotive environment: road salt, moisture, gravel impact, and brake dust. Ultrasonic cleaning removes the accumulated road contamination and manufacturing residues from these complex castings and forgings. Verified-clean substrate surfaces accept Cerakote with maximum adhesion, which is critical because suspension components experience constant vibration and impact loading that tests coating bond strength throughout the vehicle's service life.
Ready for Surface Preparation
Provide your substrate material, dimensional requirements, and coating specification. Receive a preparation plan with media selection and processing details.