How to Layer Cerakote Colors?

LAYERING CERAKOTE

Layering is a process of stacking multiple Cerakote colors to create custom designs. Through the process of layering colors, inter-coat adhesion is essential for optimal coating performance. Inter-coat adhesion refers to the chemical bond from one layer to another. The layering process will consist of the following steps.

Apply a base coat to your part(s) at the recommended film thickness for the color being used. Refer to the product Technical Data Sheet for coating specifications.

Allow the parts to Ambiently Flash for no less than 15 minutes and no longer than two hours.

In a preheated oven set to 150°-180°F(65° - 82°C), flash cure the part(s) until they become tack free (dry to the touch). Depending on the product used, substrate type, and part density, this should take anywhere from 10-30 minutes.

Once your part(s) are tack-free, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature.

Apply your desired stencils, ensuring they are flat on the surface to prevent lifting.

Apply a light coat of your next color over the top of the exposed areas and repeat the flash cure phase.

For any additional layers, repeat steps 5 – 6. If no additional layers are needed, remove the stencils, and follow the cure schedule for the substrate type.

PRO TIP:

In some cases, it can be difficult to achieve inter-coat adhesion when using colors higher in gloss. A lack of adhesion can lead to a coating failure such as chipping, flaking, and peeling. To prevent this from happening, you will want to create a mechanical profile on the surface being coated to ensure optimal adhesion. To do this we recommend lightly sandblasting at a low PSI, also referred to as the Etch Blasting Method.

Apply your desired stencils to the flash-cured base coat.

Etch Blast the part(s) at 20-30 psi, using a 100-grit Aluminum Oxide or Garnet Sand. To avoid removing any of the base coat finish or lifting the vinyl stencils, maintain a 6-8-inch distance from the part while not remaining in one spot for too long. Strive for a uniform dull finish across the part(s).

Blow off the parts with dry compressed air to ensure no particles remain on the surface before coating.

Apply a light coat of your next color over the top of the etch-blasted surface and repeat the flash cure phase.

For any additional layers using high gloss colors, repeat steps 1 – 4. If no additional layers are needed, remove the stencils, and follow the cure schedule for the substrate type.

For any questions on this process click the “ASK A QUESTION” link below or contact us at technicalsupport@cerakote.de