What is Cerakote and What Can It Be Used For?

If you’re a part of the automotive or firearms communities, you’ve likely heard the name “Cerakote.” It’s a term that’s become synonymous with toughness, durability, and high-performance protection. But what exactly is it, and what makes it so special?

As one of the leading certified Cerakote applicators in the Denver area, the team at ColorWerks is here to give you a complete guide to this revolutionary ceramic coating and its applications in the automotive world.

What is Cerakote?

Cerakote is a proprietary, polymer-ceramic composite coating. In simpler terms, it’s a liquid spray-on coating that contains ceramic particles. After it’s applied, it is cured (either in an oven or at room temperature, depending on the series) to form an incredibly hard and durable finish.

Originally developed for the firearms industry to provide a finish that could withstand extreme abuse and harsh environments, Cerakote has since found a wide range of applications in the automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors.

The Key Properties of Cerakote

What makes Cerakote superior to many other finishes? It comes down to a few key properties:

• Extreme Durability: Cerakote is known for its exceptional hardness and resistance to abrasion, scratching, and chipping. It consistently outperforms other coatings in standardized tests.
• High-Temperature Tolerance: The high-temperature series of Cerakote can withstand temperatures exceeding 1800°F without discoloring or failing, making it perfect for exhaust and engine components.
• Corrosion Resistance: Cerakote provides a powerful barrier against moisture and salt, offering industry-leading corrosion protection.
• Chemical Resistance: It is highly resistant to damage from chemicals like brake fluid, gasoline, and harsh cleaners.
• Ultra-Thin Finish: Cerakote is applied in a very thin layer (typically around 1 mil), which means it can be used on parts with very tight tolerances without interfering with their function.

What Can Cerakote Be Used For in the Automotive World?

The unique properties of Cerakote make it an ideal solution for a wide range of automotive parts, especially those that are exposed to high heat, harsh chemicals, and road debris.

At our Centennial shop, we use Cerakote for:

• Exhaust Systems: From headers and manifolds to full cat-back systems, Cerakote’s heat resistance protects the metal and can even help to reduce radiant heat in the engine bay.
• Turbochargers and Housings: The extreme heat of a turbocharger is no match for Cerakote, which can help to prevent corrosion and improve performance.
• Brake Calipers: For a durable, heat-resistant finish that won’t discolor, Cerakote is an excellent alternative to powder coating.
• Engine Components: Pistons, valves, and other internal engine parts can be coated with specialized, low-friction Cerakote finishes to improve performance and longevity.
• Wheels: While powder coating is more common for wheels due to its thickness and impact resistance, Cerakote can be a great option for those who want a specific color or a thinner, more race-inspired finish.

Is Cerakote Better Than Powder Coating?

It’s not a question of which is better, but which is right for the job. For large parts that need high impact resistance, like frames and suspension components, the thickness of powder coating is an advantage. For parts that are exposed to extreme heat or have tight tolerances, the thinness and heat resistance of Cerakote make it the superior choice.

Your Denver Cerakote Experts

Applying Cerakote is a highly technical process that requires specialized training and equipment. At ColorWerks, we are a certified Cerakote applicator with the expertise to deliver a flawless finish on all of your automotive parts.

Whether you’re looking to protect your exhaust system or give your engine a custom look, we have the right coating for the job. Call us today at 720-328-5439 or visit us online at colorwerks.co to learn more about our Cerakote services!