At Apollo Custom, our expertise in applying Cerakote coatings is driven by a deep understanding of the materials we work with and the unique needs of our clients. Cerakote coatings are celebrated for their exceptional durability and resistance to wear, corrosion, and chemicals. Despite these robust characteristics, specific scenarios, such as frequent handling, can lead to a phenomenon known as burnishing.
Burnishing occurs when surfaces become polished through friction, leading to “shiny” or off-color patches or what can appear to be scratches on otherwise uniform finishes. This effect is particularly noticeable in Cerakote coatings with heavy metallic content. The process is a result of the physical abrasion of the surface, altering the way light interacts with the coating.
In the realm of custom coatings, understanding the nuanced behavior of colors under different conditions is paramount. Geometric Metamerism (gonio-appearance) is an optical phenomenon that occurs when two colors match under one lighting condition but differ under another. This phenomenon is at play whenever burnishing is present because the changes in the surface texture from burnishing can affect the color appearance under different lighting conditions, making the issue more pronounced.
Like when velvet is rubbed in one direction versus the other, freshly mowed grass appears to have striping, or when vacuuming carpet leaves us with a satisfying zig-zag appearance, geometric metamerism can impact paints and finishes. When coating becomes burnished or “marred” – microscopic particles or tiny metallic flake in coating (like Cerakote) are “laid down” causing a polished or off-color appearance.
Apollo Custom’s Approach to Preventing and Managing Burnishing
At Apollo Custom, we apply Cerakote after meticulous surface preparation and controlled application parameters to ensure a uniform, durable finish. Despite these precautions, burnishing can occur, especially in high-contact areas.
To “fix” this burnishment, we recommend a simple, yet effective technique to our customers and other owners of Cerakoted products: the eraser trick.
Gently rubbing a pink school eraser over the burnished area can help reverse the appearance of “marring” or shiny/off-color marks thereby restoring the consistency of the overall color of the Cerakoted part. This method is safe for Cerakote coatings and offers a practical solution for maintaining the aesthetic quality of the coated item.
Is this the most cinematic YouTube video you’ll ever watch? Absolutely not.
But it shows the eraser trick doing its thing—and a better version is on our to-do list right after “sleep” and “build another jig.”
Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction drives our continuous exploration of innovative solutions for paint and finishing challenges. The eraser trick is just one example of the practical advice we provide, ensuring that our customers enjoy the full benefits of their Cerakote-coated products. By choosing Apollo Custom, you’re not just getting a service provider; you’re gaining a partner dedicated to the excellence and longevity of your coated items.