Cerakoting your Glock frame is a fantastic way to enhance its durability, customize its appearance, and boost its overall performance. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process, from preparation to application, ensuring you achieve a professional-looking finish. Whether you're a seasoned gunsmith or a DIY enthusiast, this detailed walkthrough will empower you to tackle this project with confidence.
Why Cerakote Your Glock Frame?
Cerakote is a ceramic-based coating known for its exceptional hardness, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance. Applying it to your Glock frame offers several key advantages:
- Enhanced Durability: Cerakote significantly increases the frame's resistance to scratches, wear, and tear, extending its lifespan.
- Improved Grip: Certain Cerakote finishes provide a textured surface, enhancing grip and control, especially in wet or adverse conditions.
- Corrosion Protection: The coating acts as a barrier against rust and corrosion, protecting your firearm even in harsh environments.
- Customization: Cerakote is available in a vast array of colors and finishes, allowing for complete personalization and unique aesthetics.
- Increased Value: A professionally applied Cerakote finish can significantly increase the resale value of your Glock.
Preparing Your Glock Frame for Cerakote
This stage is crucial for a flawless finish. Thorough preparation ensures proper adhesion and prevents peeling or chipping.
1. Disassembly:
Completely disassemble your Glock frame, removing all internal components. This ensures even coating and prevents damage to internal parts. Consult your Glock's manual for proper disassembly instructions if you are unsure.
2. Cleaning:
Meticulously clean the frame with a degreaser specifically designed for firearm parts. Remove any oil, grease, dirt, or debris. Pay close attention to crevices and hard-to-reach areas.
3. Surface Preparation:
This step involves smoothing out any imperfections and creating a suitable surface for Cerakote adhesion. This might include:
- Media Blasting: This is the preferred method for achieving a perfectly smooth and evenly textured surface. It removes any microscopic imperfections that could compromise adhesion.
- Sanding: If media blasting isn't an option, careful sanding with progressively finer grit sandpaper can prepare the surface. Ensure to remove all sanding dust thoroughly.
4. Masking:
Mask off any areas you don't want coated, such as rails or areas with exposed metal that you want to remain uncoated. Use high-quality masking tape and ensure a tight seal to prevent any overspray.
Applying the Cerakote
Now for the application itself. This requires a clean, well-ventilated area and proper safety precautions, including wearing a respirator.
1. Application Method:
Cerakote can be applied using an airbrush or spray gun. An airbrush allows for greater precision, especially for intricate details. A spray gun is suitable for larger surfaces and faster application.
2. Coating Application:
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for thinning and application. Typically, multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat, ensuring even coverage and preventing runs or sags. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
3. Curing:
Once the final coat is applied, allow the Cerakote to cure according to the manufacturer's recommendations. This typically involves a specific temperature and time period to achieve optimal hardness and durability.
Post-Cerakote Finishing
After curing, carefully remove any masking tape. Inspect the finish for any imperfections. If needed, light sanding and re-coating can address minor flaws. Finally, reassemble your Glock, ensuring all components are correctly installed.
Conclusion
Cerakoting your Glock frame is a rewarding project that significantly enhances its appearance and performance. By following these steps carefully and prioritizing preparation, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that will stand the test of time. Remember, safety first! Always prioritize proper ventilation and safety equipment when working with Cerakote.
