Gunsmithing Cerakoting action/scope rings?

[BenY 2013]

So I am getting ready to coat my action as well as some scope rings. I'd prefer to keep cerakote out from inside the action as well as inside of the rings(what touches the scope, just making sure I am being clear). How can I keep the cerakote out of these areas? How do you guys do it? Or do you even worry with this?

Ben

 

[ugsly]

Painters tape is what I use before blasting and after. After blasting the tape can hold media and it can/will fly off and get in your finish. Im kinda curious why not just coat the inside of the action & rings? I've never had a problem with it.

Kc

 

[BenY 2013]

I'm not saying there will be a problem, Just honestly don't have a clue and wanted to know what you guys did! Thanks for the input!

Ben

 

[ugsly]

What kind of action is it & what colors are your spraying?

Kc

 

[jcallan]

I have used the painters tape quite a bit but found if you leave it on while curing in the oven it leaves a nasty glue residue. I started using the high heat tape sold by Cerakote that I bought from Brownells and it is great. HIGH TEMPERATURE MASKING TAPE | Brownells

 

[BenY 2013]

It's a CZ 455 action, using Magpul FDE. I saw that paint that NIC offers and might have to order a roll!

Ben

 

[ugsly]

You'll be fine coating the bolt and the inside of the action

 

[Full Bore]

do it all, you won't have a problem.

 

[Glacier 10x]

So I am getting ready to coat my action as well as some scope rings. I'd prefer to keep cerakote out from inside the action as well as inside of the rings(what touches the scope, just making sure I am being clear). How can I keep the cerakote out of these areas? How do you guys do it? Or do you even worry with this?

Ben

Just got back from talking to an experienced applicator at a "Certified Cerakote" shop about these very questions. He claims that Cerakote is applied in 1/2 Mil - 1 Mil thickness and it generally should not be an issue. They sandblast the anodizing off of scope rings before coating and that between the sandblasting removal and the cerakote application there it very little or no net gain in the dimension of an anodized aluminum part. That may be true, but one has to wonder about the natural lubricity of Cerakote vs. anodizing concerning scope slip in the rings. Will Cerakoting the inside of the rings promote scope slip, especially in higher recoiling rifles?

He also said they do bolts and actions all the time and even coats the bolt lugs. He says he goes real light on the lugs but has not had a problem with Cerakote thickness compromising function. I believe he was saying he coats small parts like this at real low pressure, like 12-15 PSI. When he does have to mask parts, He uses a special and expensive tape designed for this that can withstand 400 F temps. I wasn't sure if this tape was a Cerakote product or not.

 

[TheShooter]

Definitely don't use blue tape. Removing it after a thorough baking sucks.

 

[BenY 2013]

I did coat the inside of both and it seemed to work perfectly fine! I appreciate all the input of the Hide members!

Ben

 

[ugsly]

I use blue painters tape a lot, its not that hard to get off after baking. The special tape is made by shercon (Caplugs - Shercon Masking Line - Caplugs) to withstand high temps. I typically use 15-20 psi when im spraying, the higher the psi you run the more material you will need to stop dry spray. A stock remington 700 bolt has enough slop you wont have problems with tolerance issues. if you get a bolt from PTG you need about .007 to cerakote the bolt and gun and still be able to run the bolt without it binding and catching. These are just things I have learned along the way, hope they help.

Kc

 

[BenY 2013]

Very helpful! Thank you!

Ben