CERAMIC COATINGS
COATING PROCESS
Whiskey Tango Firearms LLC is a Certified Cerakote and Duracoat Applicator.
The perfect application of ceramic/resin-based coatings depends mainly on the prep work. When done by a professional, the end result is a durable and beautiful finish. 80% of a quality job is in the prep work.
Our disassembly process is more than just a field trip. We go beyond that and take apart every movable piece of the gun. This includes every pin and spring. With the firearm completely stripped down to its bare naked parts it is ready to prep for the Coating.
The pieces are de-greased and then “Off-Gassed” by heating up the parts to get any latent oil (that could interfere with the process) out of the surface and any nooks and crannies. This step is repeated until ready for blasting. Once the part has off-gassed we completely sand-blast the surface and strip off any of the original finish and create a “blast profile” in the surface. This allows the Coating to "fill in" and hold directly onto the surface.
The part is then coated with the desired coating. When applied correctly it has about 1 mil (some coatings even thinner) of thickness. This will give you a durable finish without interfering in the function of the firearm or item.
The coating is then cured. This is achieved through a heat or air curing depending on the product. Oven-baked curing occurs at different temperatures depending on the material of the parts until it is cured. Air curing initially takes 24 o 48 hours with maximum cure at 2 - 5 days depending on the product. Then it is back to assembly and or delivery. Please see our disassembly reassembly disclaimer. Heat sensitive parts (or if high temp protection is needed) can be coated with Ceramic high-temp air cure products.
TURNAROUND TIME
Single color work is usually done in 1 to 2 weeks. Multicolor/stencil work: 2 to 3 weeks. This would be without encountering any delays. Delays can be caused by off-gassing/degreasing, during gunsmith work or worn or broken parts to name a few.
GUNSMITHING
All firearms must be DETAIL stripped. This is much more than a “field strip” or what you would do for cleaning. Frames and parts must be BARE before we can begin. This means removing every pin, spring, touch point…etc. Smithing charges are directly tied to the difficulty of the firearm. Example: a Glock is a faster and cheaper smithing fee than say a Beretta 92FS. Smithing fees are usually $20-60.
CERAKOTE
CERAKOTE IS A THIN YET EXTREMELY DURABLE* CERAMIC BASED PRODUCT AVAILABLE IN BOTH HEAT & AIR CURE.
It requires curing by heat (200-250 degrees Fahrenheit). It can be applied as low as 1 mil thickness. It’s unique ceramic-polymer technology that imparts both flexibility and excellent physical performance in over 100 colors.
Firearms coated using Cerakote can be assembled immediately after curing.
At that time Cerakote is completely cured and requires no lead time for excessive use/wear.
Turnaround times are longer with Cerakote due to oven curing & the differences in prep work needed. Parts MUST BE heated for successful application.
Standard Cerakote is rated comes in a wide variety of colors and they also have a high temp air cure line which is perfect for automotive or other high heat parts. High temp coatings are more limited in color choices.
Ceramic coatings will give you the most durable finish possible on a firearm.
*While extremely durable, any coating can wear at metal on metal contact points, deflectors or kydex holsters for instance.
Heat and Air Cure
Cured Completely After Oven Time
vailable in a variety of colors. Basic flat to glossy options.
Flat Grey available in self lubricating finish. Additional colors available in high heat resistant finish.
KG GUNKOTE
KG GUNKOTE IS AN EXCEPTIONALLY THIN YET EXTREMELY DURABLE* HEAT CURE COATING THAT PROVIDES EXCELLENT ABRASION, CHEMICAL AND IMPACT RESISTANCE.
It requires curing by heat (180-250 degrees Fahrenheit). This coating does not chip, flake, peel or rust creep. It can be applied as thin as ½ mil thickness and is an excellent choice for tight tolerance firearms.
Firearms coated using Cerakote can be assembled immediately after curing. At that time KG GUNKOTE is completely cured and requires no lead time for excessive use/wear. Most important the coating displays excellent coating layer to coating layer adhesion or a need to be concerned about how long the coating has been sitting before you have to use it. There is no window for re-coating or repair work.
KG GUNKOTE is available in a wide array of colors and offers a metallic line (1600 series) that is superior to other coatings in presentation.
KG GUNKOTE has an average particle size less than 10 Microns. Given the relative size of the particle means you can lay several colors down and have the final finish feel like one smooth color.
Ceramic coatings will give you the most durable finish possible on a firearm.
Heat Cure
Cured Completely After Oven Time
Available in a wide array of colors and metallic coatings
There is no window for re-coating or repair work
DURACOAT
DURACOAT IS AN EXTREMELY DURABLE* CERAMIC BASED AIR CURE PRODUCT.
The application flexibility allows for a large range of possibilities. It is suitable for all parts of a firearm including springs and accessories like optics.
Firearms coated using Duracoat can be assembled after 24 hours of cure time.
The first 2 to 3 weeks after application, items should not be submitted to excessive wear. The firearms may be used during this time, but things like holster wear should be avoided.
Turnaround times are faster with Duracoat due to the differences in prep work needed. Parts never need to be heated for successful application.
Duracoat is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes.
This includes pearl, fluorescent, metallic, bluing style finishes and much more.
Ceramic coatings will give you the most durable finish possible on a firearm.
Air Cure
2-3 Weeks Cure Time
Suitable for springs and optics
A variety of colors and specialty finishes.
All colors available in self lubricating finish.
