Duracoat Vs Cerakote

Choosing a durable and attractive finish for your firearm plays a big role in gun maintenance, concealment, and can be just plain fun. If you’re torn on which coating to choose, our detailed review of Duracoat vs Cerakote should help you arrive at an informed decision, so stick around!

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Cerakote 

Cerakote is a polymer-ceramic coating that provides long-lasting protection against the environment and physical impact. It is smooth to apply, improves your gun’s lubricity, and attracts minimal dust and dirt. A Cerakote coating is applied using a spray gun and needs sandblasting for it to stick to the gun’s frame. Proper training is required to apply it correctly as it can ruin your gun if it seeps into the crevices and messes up the overall dimensions of the piece. 

Cerakote finishes come in two types; oven-cured and pre-mixed air-cured coating. The oven-cured coating works best on the gun’s frame and slide, while an air-cured coating is best suited for gun parts that are exposed to high temperatures like the barrel.

Advantages

• Can be applied to steel, wood, aluminum, and polymer
• Reduces friction between gun’s moving parts
• The longest curing time only takes 5 days
• Thinner and more even coating
• Wear-resistant
• Corrosion-resistant

Disadvantages

• More expensive than Duracoat
• Gun dismantling is required for application
• Curing for some finishes involves the use of an industrial oven

Duracoat

Unlike Cerakote finish, Duracoat can be applied without professional help – it’s just like applying spray paint. However, it takes 3 to 6 weeks to fully cure, so you can’t use your gun for a while. Guns that are coated with Duracoat have excellent impact resistance and are easy to clean. 

Advantages

• Easy to use and apply
• No need to disassemble your gun
• More color options than Cerakote
• Affordable

Disadvantages

• Takes 3 to 6 weeks to cure
• Get scratched easily
• Thicker and uneven coating (most of the time)

Duracoat vs Cerakote – Price Comparison

Winner: Duracoat

Price-wise, Duracoat is the clear champ against Cerakote. A 12-ounce bottle of Duracoat costs the same as a 4-ounce bottle of Cerakote.

And with Duracoat, you only need to buy the coating itself. But with Cerakote, aside from the actual product, you’d also have to invest in tools such as an industrial oven and a sandblaster. Plus, you’d have to hire a certified technician to apply it for you or get certified yourself – and both options aren’t cheap.

Duracoat vs Cerakote – Durability

Winner: Cerakote

Cerakote coatings are thinner and run more evenly compared with Duracoat. This means your gun’s internal parts are also evenly coated while continuing to function properly. Cerakote also has higher chemical and impact resistance than Duracoat. Cerakote is a long-term solution as it remains solid on your gun even after years of regular use.

Duracoat vs Cerakote – Finish Quality

Winner: Cerakote

With a Cerakote-coated gun, you don’t have to worry about the finish getting scraped while you’re running around, so you can focus on your target. 

On the other hand, a gun coated with Duracoat can get scratched easily by impact. On a positive note, Duracoat offers a bit of rust and corrosion protection on your firearm and makes it easy to clean.

FAQs

How long will DuraCoat last?

DuraCoat lasts for several years if your gun is maintained properly. For regular shooters, DuraCoat may not last as long due to wear and tear during regular use. DuraCoat also dissolves easily when submerged into cleaning solvent for a long time, so be cautious of that when cleaning your weapons.

Is DuraCoat any good?

Yes, DuraCoat may not be as durable but it’s a more economical gun finish option compared with Cerakote.

Is DuraCoat permanent?

Technically, no. Although DuraCoat claims that it can last several lifetimes with normal use, it can only withstand daily use for several years and can get scratched easily.

Does Cerakote scratch easily?

No, Cerakote doesn’t scratch easily. Cerakote is costly to apply but it’s one of the most durable and wear-resistant finishes on the market, so it’s a great investment. Learn more about Cerakote coating above.

Conclusion

Duracoat and Cerakote coatings give your firearm personality and added protection from corrosion and daily wear and tear. Guns with these finishes are also easier to repair or maintain. Both coatings have their pros and cons, but overall, the Cerakote finish is tougher and provides more resistance against abrasion. So we suggest you invest in it if you’ve got money to spare or are dressing up a gun that you plan to keep in your collection for a long time.

Now that you’ve learned the difference between the two, check out the bestsellers from Amazon above and get one from those! 

Aside from looking good, your firearm has to be spotless inside and out. Make sure you’re using the best cleaning supplies and kits for your gun.

Last update on 2024-03-26 / Images from Amazon Product API