Cerakote and DuraCoat are two of the most popular firearm finishes, and Lightning Armory applies both. Here is how they differ and how to choose.
The short answer
For most pistols that get carried, holstered, and handled, we recommend Cerakote. It is harder and stands up better to holster wear and daily use. DuraCoat makes sense for some projects, especially when flexibility or easy touch-ups matter more than maximum wear resistance.
What Cerakote is
Cerakote is a ceramic-based coating sprayed in a very thin layer. The H-Series finishes we use most are cured in an oven, which gives them their hardness. Because the coat is so thin, a correctly applied Cerakote finish does not interfere with how your parts fit and function.
- Excellent resistance to wear, scratches, solvents, and corrosion
- Very thin, so tolerances stay right
- More than 200 colors in stock, plus any color from the Cerakote catalog
- Needs careful prep: full disassembly, cleaning, and abrasive blasting before it is sprayed
What DuraCoat is
DuraCoat is a two-part firearm finish that cures at room temperature instead of in an oven. It goes on a little thicker and stays more flexible.
- Flexible, so it suits some parts that flex or take impact
- Easier to touch up later
- Generally less resistant to holster wear than oven-cured Cerakote
Side by side
- Wear resistance: Cerakote is the stronger choice for carry pistols.
- Thickness: Cerakote is thinner; DuraCoat is a bit thicker.
- Flexibility: DuraCoat flexes more.
- Touch-ups: DuraCoat is easier to touch up; Cerakote is usually recoated.
- Price at Lightning Armory: pistol Cerakote is priced online, from $168.99 for a slide. DuraCoat work is priced by quote.
Which should you choose?
If you carry or shoot your pistol often, choose Cerakote. If you have a part where flexibility matters, or you want a finish you can touch up yourself later, ask us about DuraCoat. Not sure? Tell us about your firearm and how you use it, and we will recommend one.
