Can You Cerakote a Scope?
Cerakote is a popular rifle coating that provides unparalleled corrosion resistance, durability, and aesthetics. While Cerakote is commonly used to protect and enhance the appearance of firearms, some hunters and shooters wonder if they can apply Cerakote to their scopes. The answer is yes, but it’s not a simple process. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of scope coatings, exploring the feasibility and challenges of Cerakote-ing your scope.
Contents
What is Cerakote?
Cerakote is a ceramic-based, thin-film coating applied to metal surfaces using an electrostatic process. Developed for the aerospace industry, Cerakote is used to provide corrosion resistance, durability, and non-reflective surfaces. The coating is known for its exceptional adhesion, flexibility, and impact resistance, making it ideal for high-performance applications.
Benefits of Cerakote
Cerakote offers numerous benefits that have made it a favorite among gun enthusiasts:
- Corrosion Resistance: Cerakote protects firearms from rust, corrosion, and chemical damage, ensuring prolonged lifespan and performance.
- Durability: The coating’s toughness makes it resistant to scratches, cracks, and other forms of damage.
- Non-Reflective Surface: Cerakote absorbs light, reducing glare and making it easier to scope out targets.
- Aesthetics: Cerakote comes in various colors and finishes, allowing for customization and a stylish appearance.
Can You Cerakote a Scope?
While Cerakote is primarily designed for coating firearms, it’s not impossible to apply it to scopes. However, several factors must be considered:
- Scope Materials: Cerakote adheres best to metal surfaces like aluminum, steel, or titanium. If your scope is made of other materials, such as glass, plastic, or ceramics, Cerakote might not bond properly.
- Optical Coatings: Scopes often feature critical optical coatings, such as anti-reflective or reflective coatings, which might be compromised by the Cerakote application.
- Scope Design: Tightly sealed or machined scopes might not be conducive to Cerakote’s electrostatic application process.
- Cerakote Compatibility: Ensure your scope’s materials are compatible with Cerakote; some scopes might not respond well to the coating due to differences in porosity or surface texture.
To cerakote a scope, you’ll need:
- Cerakote Coating: Specialized Cerakote scope coating (available from trusted retailers)
- Electrically Conductive Powder (ECP): Ensure the ECP is suitable for your scope’s material
- Lapper or Applicator Tool: A specialized tool designed for applying Cerakote to curved or irregular surfaces
- Masking Materials: To protect delicate areas, such as scopes’ optical components or external finishes
Challenges and Precautions
Cerakote-ing your scope requires careful consideration to avoid compromising its performance, appearance, or structural integrity:
- Incorrect Material Selection: Using Cerakote on incompatible materials or ignoring compatibility issues may result in poor adhesion or damage to the scope.
- Inadequate Preparation: Failing to properly clean and degrease the scope surface or applying Cerakote at incorrect temperatures can affect bonding and overall performance.
- Over- or Under-Coating: Too much or too little Cerakote can lead to unsatisfactory results, causing the coating to crack or flake off prematurely.
To overcome these challenges:
- Consult with the Manufacturer: Reach out to the scope manufacturer to discuss compatibility and potential modifications necessary for Cerakote application.
- Research Scope Coating Options: Consider alternative coatings specifically designed for scopes, such as Teflon or thin-film coatings.
- Practice and Patience: When applying Cerakote, take your time to ensure proper preparation, alignment, and application techniques to achieve optimal results.
Table: Scope Cerakote Compatibility
| Scope Material | Cerakote Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | Yes |
| Steel | Yes |
| Titanium | Yes |
| Glass | No (Cerakote won’t bond) |
| Plastic | No (Cerakote won’t bond) |
| Ceramics | No (Cerakote won’t bond) |
Conclusion
While Cerakote-ing a scope is possible, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits against the challenges. Ensure your scope meets Cerakote’s material and compatibility requirements, and that you’re prepared to follow proper application procedures to avoid compromising the scope’s performance or appearance. For optimal results, consult with the scope manufacturer and consider alternative coatings specifically designed for scopes.
Remember: Before Cerakote-ing your scope, carefully evaluate the benefits and potential drawbacks, ensuring that the coating won’t compromise the scope’s function or appearance. With caution and attention to detail, you can successfully cerakote your scope, reaping the rewards of unparalleled corrosion resistance and style.
