HOW DO I GET CONSISTENT GLOSS LEVELS, OR CHANGE THE GLOSS LEVEL?


Cerakote gives you the flexibility to customize your gloss levels across multiple substrates. This guide will assist you in achieving the gloss level that meets your requirements.

Standard Gloss Procedure



Catalyst Mixing Ratio: 18:1 (coatings:catalyst) by weight. Mixing by volume is optional.
Ambient Flash: Best practice is to set aside coated parts for a minimum of 15 minutes, but no more than 2 hours, before oven cure.

Recommended Cure Schedule



Coating a project with a single substrate (metal only, polymer or plastics only, etc.)

  • Fully cure all parts according to cure schedule (see Figure A)


Coating a project with multiple substrates (metal and polymer or plastic pieces, etc.)

  • Flash cure all parts at 150°F to 180°F until tack-free (10 to 25 minutes) to lock in gloss on all substrates (see Figure B and C)
  • Separate all parts according to substrate cure schedule and complete final cure (see Figure A)


Note: Some Cerakote coatings require specific cure schedules.

  • Always review the product specific Technical Data Sheet (TDS) prior to curing.


Why different cure temperatures? Many items, for example firearms, are built from multiple substrates such as polymers and metals. Substrates, like plastic/polymers, have lower temperature stability, and therefore require lower cure temperatures.

IMPORTANT: If you are unsure as to the temperature stability of your parts, contact the manufacturer prior to oven cure.



Gloss Guide / H-Series Coatings



figure A.

Material
Temperature
Time
Metal H-Series (Standard)
250° Fahrenheit or 121° Celsius
2 Hours
Metal Elite Series (Standard)
300° Fahrenheit or 148° Celsius
1 Hour
Flash Cure (Stencils) / H-Series & Elite Series
150° - 180° Fahrenheit or 65° - 82° Celsius
10 - 25 Minutes
Plastic or Polymer
150° - 180° Fahrenheit or 65° - 82° Celsius
2 Hours
Wood
150° Fahrenheit or 65° Celsius
2 Hours
Composites i.e. Carbon Fiber or Fiberglass
150° Fahrenheit or 65° Celsius
2 Hours




Catalyst Mixing Ratio

  • Adjust your Catalyst mixing ratio to achieve your desired gloss level.



Cure Temperature

  • Increasing or decreasing cure temperature will raise or lower gloss.

Note:
  • Gloss units and levels are measured at a 60° angle, 18:1 catalyst ratio, 1-2 mil dry film thickness, 15 minutes ambient flash after application, 250°F cure for 2 hours. Adjustments to these conditions will yield different results. Gloss is affected by spray technique and quality of preparation and finish.