Our Cerakote Ceramic Coating Process
Every component moves through surface preparation, precision
application, and controlled curing, each step documented under AS9100
and ISO 9001 protocols.
Three Stages of Aerospace-Grade Ceramic Coating
Each stage is controlled, measured, and documented to deliver repeatable Cerakote performance across production volumes.
Surface preparation sets the foundation
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 goes on
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 color
consistency across every run.
Heat bonds the finish
Coated parts cure at 250-300F in temperature-monitored ovens.
The prescribed cure schedule bonds the ceramic-polymer matrix to the
substrate, producing 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, and chemical resistance without altering part dimensions. At 0.5-2 mils, Cerakote preserves tight tolerances that
powder coating (3-5 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.
Annual aerospace components
Annual throughput across military and commercial aerospace programs, including a multi-year production run.
Standard turnaround time
Standard turnaround from receipt of parts. Expedited 24-hour service available for AOG and mission-critical requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about our coating processes and technical capabilities
Passivation adds absolutely no dimensional change or weight to stainless steel components. The process actually removes material (free iron and contaminants) rather than adding it. This makes passivation the ideal corrosion treatment for weight-sensitive applications in aerospace, automotive, and other industries where every gram matters. Even when followed by a Cerakote topcoat at 0.5-2 mils, total added thickness is minimal compared to alternatives like powder coating at 4-6 mils.
We offer over 200 Cerakote colors including the whites, blues, grays, and blacks commonly specified for marine hardware and vessel components. Our spectrophotometer-verified color matching holds Delta E within 1.5, ensuring consistent appearance across multiple parts and reorder batches. Custom color matching is available for proprietary brand colors or specification requirements.
Passivation per ASTM A967 is commonly applied to automotive stainless steel exhaust headers, downpipes, turbo housings, and performance hardware. The process removes free iron from welding and fabrication, restoring full corrosion resistance against road salt, moisture, and thermal cycling. For high-heat applications, pairing passivation with Cerakote adds thermal management properties and 3,000 hours of salt spray resistance at just 0.5-2 mils.
Yes. Vibration isolation mounts and dampeners often involve rubber-to-metal interfaces and constant flexing under load. Polymer coating provides corrosion protection and chemical resistance on these components without the rigidity that would interfere with damping function. The coating flexibility accommodates the continuous movement and deformation that is the normal operating condition of these parts. All aerospace polymer coating work is documented under our AS9100 quality system.
In many aerospace applications, yes. Cerakote delivers 3,000 hours of salt spray resistance (ASTM B117) compared to 336-1,000 hours for anodizing, and it eliminates the 20-60% fatigue debit that anodizing causes on aluminum substrates. It also works on titanium, Inconel, and composites, not just aluminum. We recommend discussing your specific specification requirements during quoting, as some programs require formal qualification testing for coating substitution.
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