TRAINING MANUAL
H-SERIES & CERAKOTE ELITE
ADDITIONAL TRAINING VIDEOS AVAILABLE AT
[Link]/NICTRAINING
DIVISIONS OF NIC INDUSTRIES, INC.
[Link]
#1 CUSTOM POWDER COATING MANUFACTURER
WITH LIMITLESS CUSTOM COLORS & FINISHES
[Link]
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[Link]
PLEASE READ
Cerakote® Ceramic Coatings are designed for professionals
and should be applied by Cerakote Certified Applicators and
coating professionals with proper training and equipment.
This training manual is intended to be used as a supplemen-
tal guide for certified and professional applicators ONLY. It is
critical to follow all instructions in this manual. If for any rea-
son you are not willing to, or cannot follow the steps in this
manual, do not attempt to coat any product using Cerakote®,
or any other NIC product. If you have any questions, please
contact us.
Thank You For Finishing Strong With Cerakote!
CERAKOTE
An NIC Industries Innovation
866-774-7628 | [Link]
ADDITIONAL TRAINING VIDEOS AVAILABLE AT
[Link]/NICTRAINING
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[Link]
Selecting The Correct Series For Your Application
What Cerakote® Series is right for you?
Cerakote® H-Series
The World’s leading thin film coating. Cerakote® H-Series is a line of
ceramic-polymer hybrid coatings that is designed to provide unmatched per-
formance with an attractive and desirable finish. Cerakote® H-Series coatings
provide exceptional corrosion protection, hardness, adhesion, flexibility, impact,
chemical and wear resistance. These industry leading performance character-
istics are all achieved at low film thickness, making H-Series an ideal surface
finish for a wide range of applications, especially those with tight tolerance
requirements. Cerakote® H-Series is compatible with a wide variety of substrate
materials, exhibiting excellent adhesion to metals, plastics, polymers, wood,
glass, fiberglass and carbon fiber composites.
Cerakote® H-Series coatings are a two-component, easy-to-apply, oven cure
system that are VOC exempt in all 50 States. In addition to industry leading
performance, these coatings have one of the lowest cost per square foot of any
comparable coating on the market. Refer to product specific SDS with your lo-
cal, state and federal regulations to ensure VOC compliance. Cerakote® H-Series
coatings are available in over 100 colors, many with adjustable gloss levels to
suit your requirements. Most H-Series coatings can be mixed together to create
unlimited custom colors and shades.
Recommended applications include, but are not limited to: Firearms, knives,
tools, eye wear, consumer electronics, wearables, industrial valves, sporting and
athletic equipment, robotics, audio equipment, fresh and salt water applications
and any other application requiring a tough and durable performance coating.
Cerakote® H-300/H-301 Clear Coatings
Please refer to product specific application guide at [Link]
NOTE: If you are coating parts that will sustain temperatures greater than
500 degrees Fahrenheit (F), such as full auto barrels, full auto suppressors,
or parts that cannot be cured in an oven, refer to the High Temperature
Firearm Coatings section at [Link].
[Link]
Selecting The Correct Series For Your Application
Cerakote® Elite Series
NIC proudly introduces Cerakote Elite, the World Class Performance
Leader in thin film ceramic coating.
We’ve taken the industry leading performance of Cerakote H-Series to the next
level and improved hardness, abrasion resistance and lubricity, all in a thinner
application. We have accomplished this by developing an advanced resin tech-
nology that enables the incorporation of the highest performance engineered
ceramics.
Cerakote Elite is available in six modern, earth-tone colors that can be mixed or
patterned to create the highest performing, customized finish.
Refer to Cerakote Elite Technical Data Sheets at [Link] for product
performance information.
[Link]
PHASE 1: DISASSEMBLE
Disassemble
Completely disassemble your project.
Detail strip your project. If it’s a firearm and you are unfamiliar with this
level of disassembly, have a certified gunsmith perform the disassembly
and reassembly.
Take a photograph of all the parts received. Make note of
the substrate type on each piece (i.e: steel, aluminum,
5 plastic, composite, polymer, etc.)
[Link]
PHASE 2: DEGREASE
Degrease
Soak each metal part for 20-30 minutes in a degreaser such as Brake-Kleen®, Simple
Green®, or acetone. Spraying or wiping is not sufficient for metal parts; soaking is required.
Using a small degrease tank with a wire basket makes degreasing quick and easy
(Item SE-272, found at [Link]). Place the screws, pins and other small parts in a
smaller container so they are not lost during the soaking process. Allow parts to air dry
after soaking.
From this point on it is critical to avoid touching the parts with your bare hands.
Use powder-free latex or Nitrile gloves to handle the parts.
Tip:
• In most cases it is not necessary or recommended to soak plastic and polymer parts in a
solvent based degreaser as to avoid damaging the part. Thoroughly wiping plastic and
polymer parts using a lint free towel and with a compatible degreaser, such as Wax & Grease
Remover, is sufficient.
• Note: There are alternative high volume degreasing methods that may be more appropriate for your
situation. Please contact a Cerakote Technical Advisor to discuss other suitable degreasing methods.
[Link]
PHASE 3: SANDBLASTING
Sandblasting
Begin by plugging or masking any surface you don’t want sandblasted. For firearms,
begin by plugging the bore at both the chamber and the muzzle end of the barrel prior
to blasting. Sandblast the parts with #100 grit aluminum oxide or garnet sand at 80 to
100 psi. Lightly blast (30-40 psi) non-metal parts such as: wood, fiberglass, plastic or
polymer. For anodized aluminum parts, set the blasting pressure to 30-40 psi. Strive for
an even blast pattern over the surface of the part.
TIPS:
• If the part’s surface is still shiny after blasting, you haven’t blasted enough.
• If you use too coarse of sand or aluminum oxide, the microscopic valleys on the part’s surface will
be too deep for the 1.0 mil (.001”) coating to completely fill while covering the corresponding “peaks”
sufficiently to assure a satisfactory coating.
• Anodized parts, such as AR-15 uppers and lowers, do require blasting, however, it is not necessary to
completely remove the anodized finish. Anodized parts that have been sufficiently blasted should have
a dull, matte appearance.
A sufficiently blasted
anodized part.
• DO NOT use any type of round blasting media such as glass beads or steel shot. Round media will
dimple the surface rather than etching it, and will not yield a sufficient blast profile for optimum coating
adhesion.
• DO NOT hand sand parts as this will not yield a sufficient profile for optimal coating adhesion.
• DO NOT use sand or aluminum oxide that has been previously used to clean dirty, greasy or oily
parts. Doing so will contaminate your parts.
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PHASE 4: RACKING/MASKING
Racking
Hang or otherwise fixture your parts so that you can access all the surfaces of each
part with your HVLP gun (SE-138). A variety of metal hooks in multiple sizes are ideal
for racking larger parts, while thin wire or alligator clips are ideal for fixturing
screws, pins and other small parts (SE-175).
REMEMBER: ALWAYS WEAR POWDER-FREE, LATEX OR
NITRILE GLOVES WHEN HANDLING PARTS.
Correct Racking Techniques
A variety of properly racked parts.
Properly racked small
components.
TIPS FOR RACKING SMALL PARTS:
A) Pieces with a single hole are held in place by a loop in the wire.
B) Bolt heads are pointed up above the horizontal plane.
C) Heaviest pieces are at the bottom of the chain.
[Link]
PHASE 5: GAS OUT
Gas-Out
After parts are racked, heat metal parts in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit (F) for
60 minutes. Gassing out will evaporate any remaining moisture and solvents and bring
any remaining oils to the surface.
CAUTION
• Plastic and polymer parts should be gassed-out at a lower temperature,
generally between 150-180 degrees Fahrenheit (F) for 60 minutes.
If you are unsure as to the temperature stability of your parts, contact the
manufacturer prior to gassing-out and curing non-metal parts.
Remove the parts from the oven and
allow them to cool. If no oil is visible
on the surface, proceed to Phase Six.
See Oil?
If you see any oil residue or other
indications that oil was brought to
the surface of the part, re-clean the
part by soaking it in the degrease
tank and gassing out for an
additional thirty minutes.
This step will need to be repeated
until no oil residue is visible after gas
out. When the parts are free of oil,
re-blast to remove any residue from
the surface and proceed to gas out.
Once the part is oil free, move on to
Phase Six.
Examples of oil still on parts after gassing out.
These will have to be re-cleaned and reheated.
[Link]
PHASE 6: COATING PREP
Coating Preparation
Begin by vigorously shaking the bottle by hand or with a paint shaker until the coating is completely
mixed, then shake some more for good measure (up to 5-10 minutes). We recommend a paint shaker
for quarts and gallons.
Determine how much Cerakote you intend to use before adding catalyst (see table 1 pg. 11) Pot life for
mixed Cerakote is approximately two hours in an open or closed container. Mix only what you intend
to use, to avoid wasted coating.
IMPORTANT
DO NOT mix
Cerakote and
catalyst in plastic
containers as this
will compromise
the integrity of
the coating.
1.) Pour the desired quantity of Cerakote 2.) Add the catalyst. Use table 1 pg. 11
into a glass graduated cylinder to determine Cerakote to catalyst ratio
(SE-147A). for finish type.
TIPS:
• Some H-Series
coatings that have
a higher metallic
content, such as
Gunmetal Grey,
will strain slower
through 100 mesh
strainer.
• Agitation of
coating in spray
gun is required if
spray gun sits
any longer than
15 minutes.
3.) Stretch a clean, powder-free latex 4.) Pour mixed coating through a 100
glove (A) and place over graduated mesh strainer for all H-Series
cylinder (B). Tightly seal glove over products, as shown (NIC Part # SE-139).
graduated cylinder (C) and thoroughly NOTE: Elite Series requires a
mix coating by shaking (D). 325 mesh filter for proper straining. 10
[Link]
PHASE 6: COATING PREP
Coating Preparation Continued
NOTE: If the proportions of Cerakote to Catalyst are incorrect, or the combination of
Product and Catalyst are not thoroughly mixed, the quality and performance of the
coating will be adversely affected.
DO NOT MIX CERAKOTE & CATALYST IN PLASTIC CONTAINERS!
Table 1 (H-Series) Table 1 (Elite Series)
H-Series / Catalyst Ratio Elite Series / Catalyst Ratio
18:1
Matte Finish 24:1
Satin Finish 18:1
Semi Gloss 12:1 ONLY
DO NOT exceed the recommended
Cerakote to Catalyst mix ratios.
Table 2 (18:1 Ratio)
Cerakote / Catalyst Ratio Usage Chart
Firearm Cerakote Hardener
mL/cc mL/cc
Pistol 36 2
Rifle 72 4
• Read and follow the instructions that come with the color(s) you are using.
Some product to catalyst ratios are different depending on the color used.
• Please Note: Some Cerakote coatings require a specific catalyst ratio.
Always review the product specific technical data sheets at [Link]
prior to coating preparation.
Clean all containers and equipment with acetone. A squeeze bottle and bottle
brush are helpful tools for cleaning.
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PHASE 7: SPRAYING
Spraying
CAUTION
Spray in a well-ventilated, well-lit spray booth, wear a respirator, protective gloves and safety
glasses. Refer to the SDS for additional safety and handling information at [Link]
Final Checklist Before Spraying
• Plug or mask off all parts that are not to be coated. Remember Cerakote is applied
at 0.0005” - 0.001” which is very thin, most areas do not require masking, however, if
you are unsure, contact Cerakote for assistance.
• Ensure all parts to be coated are hung securely to avoid contact during
the application process
• For firearm applications, do not coat springs, sears, firing pins, bolt faces, gas rings
or feed ramps.
• During the application process, ensure that the coating is properly agitated. Due to
the high level of solids, Cerakote settles quickly and should be agitated frequently.
• Do not begin the spraying process unless you are able to complete the curing or
flash process directly after spraying. Letting parts sit uncured or unflashed for
extended periods of time will reduce the performance of the finished product.
PRACTICE
Practice spraying on a piece of paper to adjust the spray pattern and to practice your
spraying technique. Spray with the gun 3 to 5 inches away from the paper and adjust
the spray pattern to between 2 and 3 inches wide.
A particularly good exercise is to spray and cure a few machine screws and matching
nuts. You should be able to screw the nut onto the machine screw without difficulty.
If you can’t, you may be spraying too heavily.
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PHASE 7: SPRAYING
Spraying
Blow off parts with dry compressed air to
make sure there is no trapped media in
holes or pockets. Sand left behind will cause
surface defects. Make sure parts are at room
temperature.
Start spraying in the most difficult area of
each part, then progress and finish to the
easier areas. This should help avoid runs
and thin spots. For H-Series, 20-25 psi
is recommended for proper application. For
Cerakote Elite, 25-30 psi is recommended
for best results.
CAUTION:
The most common application mistake is dry spray.
Dry spray has a rough, sandpaper like appearance and is
typically caused by spraying too far away from the part, too
wide of a spray pattern, not enough material coming out of
the gun or too much air pressure.
If you experience dry spray, ensure you are no further
away than 3 to 5 inches away from the part, reduce your
spray pattern to between 2 and 3 inches wide, check that
your air pressure is no higher than 20 to 25 psi for H-Series
(25 to 30 psi for Cerakote Elite), and finally adjust your
fluid control to ensure you have adequate coating material
being applied to “wet out” the part in one pass.
Example of dry spray, notice the
rough, sandpaper like appearance
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PHASE 7: SPRAYING
Spraying
When spraying, strive for even coverage
(you are seeking a half thousandth to
1 thousandth inch coating thickness -
0.0005” - 0.001”). Spray with sufficient
volume so that the Cerakote does not
dry spray, which is when the coating
dries in the air before reaching the part.
When spraying, the part should appear
wet but not so wet that it wants to run.
Cerakote will still be wet to the touch
until it is oven cured. If you touch any
coated parts before curing, the coating
will be smudged and will need to be
refinished. To achieve the recommended
film thickness, one to two wet coats are
recommended.
TIPS:
• Use an HVLP spray gun with 0.8mm tip
(IWATA LPH-80 recommended - SE-138)
• Spray with a 2-3” horizontal fan
3-5” away from the part.
• H-Series: 20-25 psi
• Cerakote Elite: 25-30 psi
• Insufficient volume of coating being
applied with the 2” pattern will result in
dry spray or a rough texture.
Example of “wetting out” the part
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PHASE 7: SPRAYING
Spraying
After each part is coated, set it aside
for about fifteen minutes. Cerakote will
still be wet to the touch until it is oven
cured.
If you touch any coated parts before
curing, the coating will smudge and
will have to be refinished.
“MISTAKES”
If a mistake is made during spraying (such as a run), do not attempt to wipe down
the part and re-spray. Rather, remove the wet coating with Brake-Kleen® or acetone,
allow to dry, then re-blast the part. Finally, blow off the part and re-spray.
Cleaning Up
Clean your tools and spray equipment with acetone. Contact Cerakote with questions
regarding cleaning solvent compatibility. Dispose any unused catalyzed Cerakote
according to local and state regulations.
DO NOT return any unused catalyzed Cerakote to the bottle.
Pouring catalyzed Cerakote back into the original bottle will render
the remaining coating useless.
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[Link]
PHASE 8: CURING SCHEDULE
H-Series & Elite Series Curing Schedule
CAUTION
If you are unsure as to the temperature stability of your parts,
contact the manufacturer prior to oven cure.
Some Cerakote Coatings require specific cure schedules. Always review the
product specific Technical Data Sheets at [Link] prior to curing.
Cure Schedule For H-Series & Elite Series
Material Temperature Time
Metal 300 Degrees F 1 Hour
Flash Cure 150 - 180 5-15 Minutes
(Stencils) Degrees F
Plastic 150-180 2 Hours
or
Polymer Degrees F
Wood 150 Degrees F 2 Hours
Flash Cure for Stencil Application
When applying Cerakote over Cerakote, flash cure at 150 - 180 degrees (F) for 5-15
minutes. Allow parts to cool to room temp before applying additional color(s). When
flashing parts for camouflage or stencils, all parts must be fully cured within 24 hours
from the initial flash.
After curing is completed, remove the parts from the oven and allow
them to cool. Parts are ready for reassembly and use once they are
cool enough to handle.
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[Link]
SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT
We recommend the following products for the best results
during the Cerakote prep and application process,
available at [Link].
Cerakote Plug Kit
High Quality Plug Set loaded with over
300 of the most common plug sizes.
(SE-220)
Kit Features:
- Most complete starter kit on the market.
- Plugs can withstand continuous
temperatures of 600˚F (315˚C).
- Great for Cerakote masking.
Cerakote Shake-N-Blast Canister
Metal Shake-N-Blast Canister is perfect for
efficiently blasting small parts.
(SE-221)
Note: The Shake-N-Blast Canister is designed for
parts roughly 0.500 inch cube down to a
0.087 inch cube in size.
Cerakote Hook Kit
Hook Kit loaded with the most common hook sizes.
(SE-175)
Kit Features:
-Most complete firearm coating hook kit available.
-Reusable industrial coating hooks.
-Multiple styles, lengths and gauges for all coating scenarios.
-Hand picked sizes from the Cerakote Instructors to work on
all firearm types.
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[Link]
SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT
High Heat Tape Find
thes
Used for masking areas and e suppl
where coating is not desired.
Cera more at ies
Available in 1/2” to 2” kote
(SE-163 through SE-165) .com
!
Graduated Cylinders
100 ml (SE-147A)
50 ml (SE-147B)
Depending on coating volume.
We suggest using a glass 100M/L graduated cylinder for
accurate ratio measurements of Cerakote to catalyst.
IWATA LPH-80
(SE-138)
HVLP gun with spray
characteristics:
• Features adjustable spray
pattern from round to full
fan shape.
• A stainless-steel nozzle,
paint passage and heat
tempered 0.8mm tip ensure
long- lasting, peak
performance spraying.
• Uses the reliable and
easy-to-service cartridge-
style “air-valve” set, which
can be serviced outside the
gun and easily placed back
into the gun body.
• 4 oz. (110 ml) stainless-
steel gravity cup is
center-mounted and
rotates, allowing for
spraying.
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[Link]
TRAINING PROGRAM
Cerakote® Ceramic Coating Training Program
Cerakote offers the only one-on-one training program for Cerakote® Ceramic Coatings. Our instruc-
tors consult with each customer prior to the training course to custom design each class to meet the
specific needs of each customer. Customers can apply any of Cerakote’s industry leading ceramic
coatings on their own parts, or parts supplied by Cerakote. Courses are taught at Cerakote’s training
facility in White City, Oregon, or onsite. While every class is custom tailored to meet each customer’s
needs, below are topics typically covered in most courses.
Training Topics
• Metal Prep • Problem solving and troubleshooting
defects
• Out-gassing
• Proper equipment and operation
• Racking Techniques
• Re-works
• Coating selection for various
applications • Cost analysis
• Basic to advanced coating application • Marketing strategies
• Proper curing techniques and • Stenciling & camo techniques
schedules
To schedule your training course at our world class facilities, give us a call at 866-774-7628.
Class Location
Cerakote is located at 7050 Sixth Street, White City, OR, 97503. White City is located in Southern
Oregon approximately 5 miles from Medford, Oregon, and approximately 280 miles from Portland,
Oregon.
Transportation
Rogue Valley International Airport (MFR) is located 6 miles from NIC and provides daily flights from
several major west coast airports. All major rental car companies are located at the Rogue Valley
International Airport.
Lodging
Cerakote has negotiated discounted rates with several hotels in close proximity to our facility.
Information can be found at [Link]
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[Link]
CONTACT INFORMATION
Need Help?
At any point during the Cerakote application you have a question,
please contact Cerakote Ceramic Coatings at:
Phone: 541-826-1922 | Toll Free: 866-774-7628
Email: info@[Link] | Web: [Link]
View training videos online at: [Link]/NICtraining
Follow us on Social Media: [Link]/CerakoteFirearmCoatings
Twitter: @CerakoteFinish | Instagram: @Cerakote | Pinterest: Cerakote Coatings
Subscribe to Cerakote’s Newsletter via [Link]
to receive Cerakote news, information, and specials.
Visit the ‘Downloads’ section of [Link] to get
product specific Technical Data Sheets and Application Guides
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[Link]
NOTES & RECORDS
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NOTES & RECORDS
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CERAKOTE
An NIC Industries Innovation
1-866-774-7628 | [Link]
V 1.1.17
