Cerakote is a high-performance ceramic coating that provides a protective and aesthetically pleasing finish to a variety of surfaces including metals, plastics, polymers, and wood. Renowned for its durability, Cerakote enhances physical performance properties such as abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, impact strength, and hardness.
How to Use the Cerakote Calculator
Our Cerakote Calculator is designed to help you estimate the amount of Cerakote needed for your project. By inputting the surface area of the item to be coated, the number of coats, application efficiency, and desired output units, the calculator provides an accurate estimate of the total Cerakote required.
Example Calculations
Example 1: Coating a Handgun
Suppose you have a handgun with a surface area of 120 square inches. You plan to apply 2 coats with an application efficiency of 70%, and you want the output in ounces.
| Parameter | Input Value |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 120 sq in |
| Number of Coats | 2 |
| Application Efficiency | 70% |
| Output Unit | Ounces |
Calculation Steps:
- Theoretical Amount = (Surface Area × Coats × Average Thickness) / Coverage Per Mil
- Assuming an average thickness of 1 mil and coverage per mil of 641 sq in per ounce:
- Theoretical Amount = (120 × 2 × 1) / 641 ≈ 0.374 ounces
- Actual Amount = Theoretical Amount / (Efficiency / 100)
- Actual Amount = 0.374 / (70 / 100) ≈ 0.534 ounces
Therefore, you will need approximately 0.534 ounces of Cerakote to coat the handgun.
Example 2: Coating Brake Calipers
Imagine you are coating a set of brake calipers with a total surface area of 400 square centimeters. You plan to apply 1 coat with an application efficiency of 60%, and you want the output in milliliters.
| Parameter | Input Value |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 400 sq cm |
| Number of Coats | 1 |
| Application Efficiency | 60% |
| Output Unit | Milliliters |
Calculation Steps:
- Convert surface area to square inches: 400 sq cm / 6.4516 ≈ 62 sq in
- Theoretical Amount = (62 × 1 × 1) / 641 ≈ 0.097 ounces
- Actual Amount = 0.097 / (60 / 100) ≈ 0.161 ounces
- Convert ounces to milliliters: 0.161 × 29.5735 ≈ 4.76 milliliters
You will need approximately 4.76 milliliters of Cerakote for the brake calipers.
Tips for Accurate Calculations
- Precise Measurements: Always use accurate measurements for surface area to ensure the best results. Utilize tools like calipers or measuring tapes, and consider geometric formulas for complex shapes.
- Adjust for Efficiency: Application efficiency can vary based on equipment and technique. If unsure, consult with your equipment manufacturer or conduct a test run.
- Consider Environmental Factors: Temperature and humidity can affect the application process. Ensure you’re working under recommended conditions.
Common Surface Areas of Items
Below is a table of approximate surface areas for common items:
| Item | Approximate Surface Area (sq in) |
|---|---|
| Handgun | 120 |
| Rifle | 250 |
| Shotgun | 300 |
| Bicycle Frame | 400 |
| Automotive Wheel | 150 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cerakote?
Cerakote is a ceramic-based finish that can be applied to metals, plastics, polymers, and wood. It enhances properties like resistance to abrasion, corrosion, and chemicals, and improves impact strength and hardness.
How does application efficiency affect the calculation?
Application efficiency accounts for material lost during the application process due to overspray, equipment limitations, or technique. A lower efficiency means more material is required to achieve the desired coating thickness.
Can I use this calculator for multi-layer coatings with different materials?
This calculator is designed for estimating Cerakote usage. If you’re applying multiple layers with different materials or thicknesses, you should calculate each layer separately and adjust for the specific properties of each material.
Additional Resources
