Can You Cerakote a Nitrided Action? The Definitive Guide
The question of whether you can Cerakote a nitrided firearm action is a common one among gun enthusiasts looking to customize their firearms. The short answer is: yes, but with important considerations. This detailed guide will explore the process, benefits, drawbacks, and crucial preparation steps to ensure a successful and durable finish.
Understanding Nitriding and Cerakote
Before diving into compatibility, let's briefly review both processes:
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Nitriding: This heat treatment process diffuses nitrogen into the surface of the steel, creating a hard, wear-resistant, and corrosion-resistant layer. It's often chosen for its superior durability compared to other finishes. The nitrided surface is typically a dark grayish-black.
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Cerakote: A ceramic-based coating known for its exceptional hardness, scratch resistance, and chemical resistance. It's available in a vast array of colors and finishes, offering extensive customization options.
The Compatibility of Cerakote and Nitriding
Cerakote can be applied over a nitrided surface. However, the success hinges on proper surface preparation. The nitriding process leaves a slightly porous surface compared to raw steel. This porosity can affect the adhesion of the Cerakote. If not properly addressed, the coating might chip, peel, or fail prematurely.
Preparing Your Nitrided Action for Cerakote
This stage is paramount for a long-lasting finish. Neglecting proper preparation is the most common reason for Cerakote failure on nitrided parts.
1. Thorough Cleaning: Begin with a meticulous cleaning of the nitrided action. Remove all oils, grease, dirt, and any other contaminants. Use a suitable solvent like degreaser or parts cleaner, followed by thorough rinsing and drying. Compressed air can be helpful for removing trapped particles.
2. Surface Treatment: This is where achieving optimal adhesion becomes crucial. While some argue that light abrasive blasting is unnecessary, many experienced Cerakoters recommend a light media blasting (such as aluminum oxide) to slightly roughen the surface and improve adhesion. This step is crucial for creating micro-pores for the Cerakote to grip. Be cautious not to over-blast, which can damage the nitride layer.
3. Degreasing (Again!): After blasting (if you choose to blast), perform another thorough degreasing step. Any remaining particles of abrasive media can compromise the bond.
4. Application of Cerakote: Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. This usually involves multiple thin coats for optimal coverage and durability. Proper curing time in a controlled environment is vital for achieving the desired hardness and resistance.
Potential Drawbacks
While possible, applying Cerakote over nitriding does introduce some potential challenges:
- Increased Cost: The additional preparation steps add time and expense to the process.
- Slight Reduction in Nitride Layer Thickness: Although minimal, the blasting process can slightly reduce the thickness of the nitride layer.
Benefits of Cerakoting a Nitrided Action
Despite the potential drawbacks, applying Cerakote over nitriding provides some key benefits:
- Enhanced Corrosion Resistance: Combining the corrosion resistance of nitriding with the protective layer of Cerakote creates an exceptionally corrosion-resistant finish.
- Improved Scratch Resistance: The Cerakote layer adds an extra layer of protection against scratches and wear, extending the life of the action.
- Customization: Cerakote opens a world of color and finish options, allowing you to personalize your firearm.
Conclusion
Cerakoting a nitrided action is achievable, but requires careful preparation. The enhanced durability and customization options often outweigh the potential drawbacks, making it a popular choice for gun owners seeking a premium finish for their firearms. However, remember that proper preparation is key to a successful and long-lasting result. If you lack experience, it's advisable to consult a professional Cerakoter to ensure optimal results.
