As you can see in the pictures both items have a covering on them. What is the correct covering for you? Lets get into the differences and the pros vs Cons of each.
Cerakote is a special covering that will adhere to plastic, metal, wood, and many other materials. The coating is a form of polymer-ceramic coating. The benefits to cerakote is that when applied correctly it will protect the under surface of the product you apply it to. This will allow your item to last for many more years protecting it from rust and scratches and damage from normal wear and tear. The color choice is basically endless. The fact that this item is so durable it is ideal for pistols and shotguns that have several moving parts. As with anything there is some cons to this items.
Cerakote even though how durable it is has some limits. First being the designs. With cerakote its designed for durability and there for makes it hard to create elaborate designs. Most designs use templates to make some designs or patterns. The problem is that cerakote being ceramic based does not like anything to stick to it after it has hardened. So you must complete the project in less than 2 hours when using multiple colors or it will just chip off. The second con is the price. Compared to hydro graphics cerakote is more expensive. You are paying for the additional protection and durability, however the paint is higher in price than the film for hydro graphics.
Hydro graphics is a film made out of polyvinyl alcohol. The film will dissolve once placed in water and sprayed with the activator. Once this happens it leaves the design on top of the water and will stick to anything that is placed in the water. The designs and the patterns are much more indepth than cerakote, however does not provide the protection as cerakote. Once the pattern is placed and all the clean up and touch ups are completed a clear coat will need to be applied to provide some protection from scratches and dings. Think of it as car paint. The clear coat on your car provides the same protection to your cars paint as it would for the film. With door dings and other scrapes you know that clear coat is not damage proof. The same is for hydro graphics. This choice is ideal for something you want to show off and gently use. Works perfect for a range gun, wall piece, or something you want to display. The plus is your choices to designs is only limited to your imagination. The plus to this is the price is lower than cerakote as well. You can also do shoes, crocs, kids lunch pales, and a ton of other items.
Cons is pretty straight forward. This choice does not provide protection from drops and scrapes. The film could be scratched if you penetrate the clear coat. This choice will not work for devices that have electrical components that can’t be removed. The prep work is a little harder than cerakote as well.
Both of these choices will bring years of satisfaction. Its just important to answer a few questions to decide which choice is correct for you. If you still have a few questions feel free to email us or message us. Let us handle taking care of the things you love.
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