Cerakote, Duracoat, etc. (Ceramic paints)

[charliec]

Hi,

I have seen some nice restoration jobs using many different types/brands of paint with various clear coat finishes not to mention powder coating but has anyone played with ceramic paints (e.g., Cerakote or Duracoat to mention a couple) on a chainsaw?  I just figure that common auto paint (e.g., Duplicolor) is running $18 per can then you need to buy a primer and a clear-coat which brings the price tag way higher than it should be (my opinion, north of $50).  Therefore, I started to look into both powder coating and ceramic paints which I realize will be equal to or greater from a price perspective but a much better product in my opinion.  While both options (powder coat and ceramic paints) need other equipment (e.g., delivery equipment/spray gun, etc.) and then need to get baked among other various steps/equipment that a standard paint job does not require.  I am leaning this way as the product tends to hold up (durability) much better than old-school spray paint.  In addition, no clear-coat required.

I am Looking for thoughts/feedback especially on ceramic paints.  I have not done a deep-dive as of yet but I assume (hate to do that) that color options/matching might be a little more difficult and/or expensive if even available in the ceramic paints, please advise.

I have seen a number of at home ceramic paint videos on Youtube but as we all know.... you can't trust everything you see/read on the internet.

Thanks in advance,

Charlie
  

[footstep]

I've been cerakoting firearms for over 17 years, it's a great product, the best thing about cerakote is you can mix the colors together to get the color match you want, the one thing you have to make sure is that your prep work is perfect, you need to make sure there is no oil whatsoever left on any of the parts to be coated, media blast with aluminum oxide or garnet 70-90 grit, don't use glass it can inbed itself into the metal, also cerakote needs to be baked on, this process is very toxic, do not use your kitchen oven, you can purchase countertop toaster ovens from your local store to use to cure the parts, you may have to do it in batches since all larger parts won't fit at the same time, also once mixed cerakote has to be used within a short time or the colors will separate & settle, they also make an air cure coating that doesn't need to be baked, I've used this on scopes & lights & other accessories that can't use heat, it holds up well, but iam not sure how well it will hold up on a saw, another thing to remember when cerakoting is it goes on very thin around 1mil, unlike traditional paint any imperfections will show & can't be covered up with another layer. Hope this helps, if you have any questions let me know, I'll be more than happy to help the best I can.

[charliec]

Hi,

Thanks for the info....
I sent you a private message to call me (phone # included) when you have a chance to discuss in greater detail.

Charlie