Cerakote is a ceramic-based finish that surpasses traditional coatings, such as anodizing or bluing. It offers superior resistance to wear, corrosion, chemicals, and extreme heat, making it an excellent choice for uppers that will experience heavy use or exposure to harsh environments. With more than 100 available colors and patterns—from solid classics like Graphite Black or FDE to camouflages and distressed battleworn finishes—you can tailor your rifle’s look while ensuring durability.
Our certified applicators ensure precise work on stripped uppers, complete assemblies, or individual parts such as barrels and handguards. Because Cerakote is applied in a thin layer (just 0.001–0.002 inches), it preserves tolerances and maintains proper fitment with other AR-15 components.
The process is straightforward: select your finish, complete our order form, and ship your disassembled parts to our Bakersfield facility. We handle preparation, application, and curing with standard turnaround times of 2–5 weeks or expedited service in 2–7 days, available for an additional fee.
Pricing:
- $85+ for a single-color stripped upper
- $200–$400 for complete assemblies
- $300–$550 for camo or custom patterns
- $50–$90 disassembly fee (if shipped assembled)
Cerakote’s 9H hardness rating ensures resistance to scratches, impacts, and environmental wear—whether your rifle is for hunting, tactical use, or regular range days. Our services include a 12-month workmanship warranty against flaking or bubbling (excludes accidental damage). From sleek, solid finishes to rugged, field-ready camo, AR15Discounts.com and Dirty Bird Industries deliver durability and craftsmanship that elevate your AR-15 upper.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cerakoted AR-15 Uppers
- What is Cerakote, and why use it on an AR-15 upper?
Cerakote is a ceramic-polymer coating that improves both performance and aesthetics. It protects against scratches, corrosion, chemicals, and heat while offering a wide range of colors and patterns. Unlike anodizing, which is limited to metallic tones, Cerakote gives you customization and long-term protection, making it ideal for firearms exposed to rain, field conditions, or heavy range use. - How should I prepare the upper receiver before Cerakote application
Disassemble the upper, removing the barrel, BCG, charging handle, forward assist, and dust cover. Thoroughly degrease parts with acetone or a similar solvent and avoid touching them afterward. Ship the stripped upper along with the order form specifying your finish. If you send an assembled upper, AR15Discounts.com can handle disassembly for a fee of $50–$90. - Should internal cavities and areas be coated or masked off?
Critical internal areas—such as the barrel bore, gas tube channel, and receiver threads—are masked off to maintain function. Surfaces, such as gas block seats and threads, are also protected. In rare cases, customers may request internal coatings for extreme corrosion resistance; however, standard practice is to mask for proper tolerances. - Can Cerakote affect the fit between the upper and lower receivers?Properly applied Cerakote (0.001–0.002 inches thick) will not affect fitment. Our process avoids buildup in areas like pivot pin holes, ensuring smooth assembly. Improper application could cause tight tolerances, but our certified team guarantees compatibility with standard lowers.
- Will Cerakote cause issues with barrel or part interchangeability?
No. Barrel threads, gas block journals, and chamber/bore areas are masked during application. Parts remain fully interchangeable with standard AR-15 components. - How does Cerakote compare to other finishes, such as bluing or paint?
Bluing provides only moderate corrosion resistance and is limited in color options, while paint chips easily under heavy use. Cerakote’s 9H hardness resists scratches, chemicals, and weather with a far broader range of colors and patterns. Its thin profile preserves tolerances and requires less maintenance than traditional finishes. - Is it okay to recoat or touch up worn areas on a Cerakoted upper?
Yes. Minor scratches can be sanded and recoated, while major wear or a design change may require stripping and reapplication. AR15Discounts.com offers recoating services with the same 12-month warranty. DIY touch-ups are possible but require proper equipment for even results. - Will Cerakote interfere with gas key staking or bolt carrier performance?
No. Gas keys, internal bolt carrier surfaces, and other functional contact points are masked before coating. Cerakote only affects the exterior finish, leaving staking and performance intact. - How long does Cerakote last, and what maintenance is required for it?
With normal use and care, Cerakote can last the lifetime of your firearm. It resists corrosion, fading, and scratches, though extreme use can eventually show wear. Clean with mild soap, water, or non-abrasive solvents, and avoid harsh chemicals like acetone. Inspect high-contact areas (ejection port, forward assist) periodically.