Complete Guide: How to Cerakote and Use Stencils at Home

Complete Guide: Cerakote & Stencils – Stencil Craft
Stencil Craft

Complete Guide: Cerakote & Stencils

A practical, end-to-end process for DIY and pro workflows

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1) Choose the Right Cerakote

  • H‑Series: Durable, many colors, oven cure.
  • C‑Series: Air‑cure (no oven), lower durability; good for heat‑sensitive parts.
  • E‑Series: Maximum durability, fewer colors.
  • V‑Series: Designed for high‑heat components.

Tip: Most beginners start with H‑Series; use C‑Series if you don’t have an oven.

2) Prep & Disassembly

  • Fully disassemble; set aside polymers, springs, and tight‑tolerance parts.
  • Photograph steps for easy reassembly.
  • After final cleaning, handle with clean gloves only.

3) Degrease & Sandblast

  • Degrease in acetone or TSP; allow parts to air dry completely.
  • Sandblast with 100–120 grit aluminum oxide to a uniform matte profile.
  • Degrease again to remove blasting dust/media.

4) Mask, Hang & Pre‑Heat

  • Mask bores, threads, and tight fits with high‑temp tape/plugs.
  • Hang parts on wire/hooks for 360° spray access.
  • Pre‑warm briefly at ~300°F to drive off residual oils and plan oven layout.

5) Mix Cerakote

  • Follow datasheet ratios exactly; measure with a digital scale; stir (do not shake).
  • Pot life is about 2 hours once mixed; strain before loading the gun.

6) Spray Application

  • HVLP ~20–25 PSI; spray thin, even passes with slight overlap.
  • Start with tight spots; aim ~1 mil in high‑wear areas.
  • Usually 2–3 coats; allow brief flash between coats.

7) Stencils (Optional)

  • Apply stencils in the same space you’ll be painting—moving from indoors to outdoors can cause condensation and lift edges.
  • Press edges firmly; spray light coats to reduce bleed.
  • Peel stencils once dry, pulling back at a low angle for sharp lines.

8) Cure & Cool

  • H‑Series: ~250°F for ~2 hrs (confirm in your product datasheet).
  • C‑Series: Air‑cure (full strength after several days).
  • Let parts cool naturally; do not force‑cool.

9) Reassembly & Final Dry

  • Remove masking/stencils after cooling; reassemble carefully.
  • Let the coated item rest 24–48 hours before use.

Maintenance

  • Wipe down with a soft cloth after use.
  • For stubborn grime, lightly use mineral spirits; then dry.
  • Apply a thin oil film to repel moisture.
  • Touch up or re‑coat high‑wear areas as needed.

Quick Steps

  1. Disassemble completely; set aside polymers/springs.
  2. Degrease → Sandblast → Degrease again.
  3. Mask critical areas; hang; pre‑heat briefly.
  4. Mix accurately; strain; 2‑hour pot life.
  5. Spray thin, even coats (HVLP ~20–25 PSI).
  6. Stencils optional—apply and peel in the same environment.
  7. Cure (bake or air‑cure); cool naturally.
  8. Reassemble; rest 24–48 hrs; maintain.