What is CARC and why is it so important?

CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coating) is the standard paint for military equipment. Its main purpose is to protect military gear, equipment, and personnel by ensuring that the equipment can be decontaminated and reused after contact with biological, chemical, or nuclear agents. Thus, CARC is an important component of military readiness.

Can Cerakote be used instead of CARC paint?

The answer: YES.
Cerakote ceramic coatings often meet and exceed the performance and functional requirements of CARC coatings. Cerakote has already been successfully used as a replacement for CARC in the following applications: mobile electronics, communication devices, vehicle suspensions, weapon systems, microwave and radar equipment.

Advantages of Cerakote over CARC

The combination of precision, durability, and chemical resistance makes Cerakote an ideal replacement for CARC in many industries.

Chemical Resistance

Protects against aggressive solvents, fuels, and corrosive substances.

Thin Film Coating

Applied in a much thinner layer than CARC (6.5-25 micrometers). Ideal for applications with tight tolerances without the risk of cracks or chipping.

Light protection

Reduces weight compared to CARC, thereby improving the operational range of devices such as vehicles and drones.

NEAR-INFRARED (NIR) Camouflage

Special Cerakote coatings feature NiR camouflage properties that reduce infrared visibility for stealth applications. Suitable for camouflage in both the visual and infrared spectrum.

Direct application on the substrate

Requires no primers or pretreatments. Can be applied directly to metals, polymers, and composite materials.

Environmentally friendly

Contains no harmful chemicals such as TDI or HDI and complies with VOC regulations in all 50 US states.

Versatile

Cerakote can be used on a variety of substrates and surfaces.

CARC: Challenges in Coating and Costs

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Challenges regarding layer thickness and application

CARC requires primers, pretreatments, and heavy, thick coatings.
Thick coatings can cause problems on parts with tight tolerances.
Excessive coating thickness can lead to cracking or chipping during assembly as well as higher scrap rates during production.

Health and safety risks

CARC contains hazardous components such as:

  • Toluene diisocyanate (TDI)
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOC)
  • Isocyanates (HDI)

These chemicals pose risks during application and sanding and require strict safety measures.

Conclusion: Why Cerakote is the better choice compared to CARC

Cerakote is a proven alternative to CARC paint and offers:

  • Superior performance in applications with tight tolerances
  • Cost savings through simplified application and less rework
  • Lightweight, durable protection
  • Advanced chemical resistance comparable to CARC
  • Near-infrared camouflage for stealth and military applications
  • A safer and more environmentally friendly solution for military and civilian requirements
  • Cerakote E-100 Blackout Main
    CERAKOTE

    E-100 | Blackout

    • Bestseller
    • Low Friction
    • High Thermal Emissivity
    from €0,20
    from €0,20
    €330,51 l
  • Cerakote C-246 Flat Dark Earth (FDE) Ceramic Coating Main
    CERAKOTE

    C-246 | Flat Dark Earth (FDE)

    from €0,20
    from €0,20
    €330,51 l
  • Cerakote C-211 Desert Sand Ceramic Coating Main
    CERAKOTE

    C-211 | Desert Sand

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    from €0,20
    €330,51 l
  • Cerakote H-200 Highland Green Main
    CERAKOTE

    H-200 | Highland Green

    from €0,20
    from €0,20
    €330,51 l
  • Cerakote H-229 Sniper Green Main
    CERAKOTE

    H-229 | Sniper Green

    from €0,20
    from €0,20
    €330,51 l
  • Cerakote C-102 Graphite Black High Temp 1000°C Coating Main
    CERAKOTE

    C-102 | Graphite Black

    • High Temp
    • High Thermal Emissivity
    from €0,20
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    €330,51 l

In-house production

Call us or send us an email if you are interested in implementing Cerakote coating solutions in your company. We are happy to advise you and provide you with all the necessary information.

Outsourcing

If you have your parts manufactured or externally coated by a manufacturer, ask them about Cerakote options for your parts. If they do not offer Cerakote coating, feel free to contact us. We are happy to connect you with one of our certified coaters across Europe.

Call us

If you have any questions or are unsure whether Cerakote is the right application for you, just call us at +49(0)4106-6414121 or send us an email at info@pbncoatings.de.

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