un-Cerakote a gun

Qc Pistolero · Mar 11, 2018

I have a chance to buy a model 929 at a good price;the reason the price is good is that it has been Cerakoted.Now,since kids might read this,I won't describe the colors(downright disgusting) but my question is,is there any way to ''undo'' the Cerakoting'' on the gun?Would ultrasonic bath do it?

tlay · Mar 11, 2018

I am not sure what if anything that will take it off. An ultrasonic cleaner will not. I have cleaned a cerakoted gun in one.

bigggbbruce · Mar 11, 2018

Qc Pistolero said:
I have a chance to buy a model 929 at a good price;the reason the price is good is that it has been Cerakoted.Now,since kids might read this,I won't describe the colors(downright disgusting) but my question is,is there any way to ''undo'' the Cerakoting'' on the gun?Would ultrasonic bath do it?

Two words.. media blast.. but it may not look very good.. depending on prep and adhesion.

sigp220.45 · Mar 11, 2018

I'm pretty sure it can be media-blasted off. Or you could just put a less objectionable new Cerakote on top of what you have.

12milesout · Mar 11, 2018

While i’ve never tried to remove it, my first instinct would be to try aircraft stripper on it.

alaskavett · Mar 11, 2018

I think if trying the Aircraft Stripper I would first find out what exact Stainless the gun is (grade wise) and try some stripper on it. Many of the Strippers are amonia based and will cause various metals to turn some strange colors. Also, do not put this down your drain into sewer or septic as it can and will eat pipes as it did in the corrosion shop where I once worked..Kyle

Qc Pistolero · Mar 11, 2018

Thanks for the answers.While I don't know anybody or any business that could give it an aircraft stripper treatment,I think that ''overCerakoting''it might be an easy path to solve my problem.Only question is won't Cerakote over Cerakote alter the dimensional tolerances;I'm thinking specifically about the bolt notches vs bolt dimension.How thick is a Cerakote coating?Will it after the second coating modify the dimension of the bolt notches so that the bolt won't properly engage?

A10 · Mar 12, 2018

The 929 is stainless, correct? Bead blasting would remove the paint and leave a nice finish.

Seven High · Mar 12, 2018

I would contact a Cerakote dealer/applicator and ask them.

bigggbbruce · Mar 12, 2018

Seven High said:
I would contact a Cerakote dealer/applicator and ask them.

If you type the name Cerakote in your browser search, you can go on their website and they answer these questions..

Raytracer · Mar 12, 2018

In my experience, holsters do a pretty good job of removing Cerakote all by themselves.

JimBianchi · Mar 12, 2018

soak it in acetone for a few days.

By By ceracoat.

apollo99 · Mar 13, 2018

there are a few firearm refinishers that have stripping that stuff off as a service before refinishing. It can be chemically removed. I think I would media blast, kind of killing two birds with one rock.

6string · Mar 13, 2018

Why not contact Brownell's?
They sell the stuff and have some excellent gunsmiths on staff. There's a phone number you can call to get technical advice.
I've called them before and found them very helpful, even to the point of giving surprisingly blunt evaluations of their products.

It's 641-623-5401

Best Regards,
Jim

PS: Love the holster comment. Very funny!

jaymoore · Mar 13, 2018

Raytracer said:
In my experience, holsters do a pretty good job of removing Cerakote all by themselves.

And so do Marines, apparently. They trashed the Cerakoted finish on their new M45a1s pretty quickly. To the point that Colt replaced them with pistols sans Cerakote.

Bakebfr480 · Mar 13, 2018

Sand blast it!

2152hq · Mar 13, 2018

Bead Blast (Glass Bead) removes it rather easily.
Glass beading is a very common finishing technique and the size of the glass beads has an effect on the finish look it leaves behind.
Many auto finishing shops as well as gunshops that actually do their own refinishing work have a Bead Blaster set up/cabinet.
It's quick and clean. I'd advise against using a sand or other grit blast. That can quickly alter metal shapes and edges and it's really not needed to get the Cerakote off.

Bead blasting is usually done as a prep for Cerakote as it leaves a smooth but finely matted (roughed up) surface for the finish to adhere to.
This removal process of the old finish can be a step in the preparation of applying a new coating.

Zipdog · Mar 13, 2018

That stuff is nothing more than paint. Leave it outside long enough it will come off all by itself.

CAJUNLAWYER · Mar 13, 2018

Qc Pistolero said:
,I won't describe the colors(downright disgusting)

Sounds like poo poo brown to me.

bmcgilvray · Mar 13, 2018

I'm glad to see a thread discussing removing Cerakote, a dumb idea for finish suitable for a fine firearm to begin with, in my view.

un-Cerakote a gun

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