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 ≤1.5 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 Cerakote® 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. 7-day expedited and 3-day rush available for AOG and mission-critical requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about our coating processes and technical capabilities
Standard turnaround for the complete finishing sequence, including ultrasonic cleaning, sandblasting, and Cerakote or polymer coating, is 14 business days from receipt of parts. When custom color development is included on the first order, add 5-7 business days for color matching. Subsequent orders with established colors run on standard 14-day turnaround. Expedited 7-day and 3-day turnaround options are available for the complete multi-service sequence.
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.
Oil and gas operators use color-coded pressure ratings to prevent cross-connection of equipment rated for different service levels. Cerakote's 3,000-hour salt spray resistance means color coding survives the wellsite chemical exposure and UV degradation that strips conventional paint within months. ColoradoKote matches your operator-specified pressure class colors by spectrophotometer to Delta E 1.5 and documents color verification on every Certificate of Conformance.
Cerakote applies at 0.5 to 2 mils versus 4 to 6 mils for powder coat, reducing coating mass by 50 to 85 percent on a per-part basis. On aircraft with thousands of coated components, this difference translates directly to fuel savings over the life of the platform. The thinner film also preserves engineering tolerances on precision-fit parts where powder coat buildup would require masking or post-machining.
Yes. We coat valve bodies, stems, seats, and trim components for corrosive service environments including sour gas applications. Passivation of stainless steel substrates followed by Cerakote ceramic topcoat creates a dual-layer defense against hydrogen sulfide and chloride attack. Our quality documentation supports NACE MR0175 compliance requirements for materials used in sour service.
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