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What is Cerakote?

Cerakote is a thin-film ceramic coating designed to improve both performance and aesthetics. This industry-leading finish is exceptionally durable, scratch-resistant, and chemically resilient, while offering heat and UV protection. When applied, the coating thickness is approximately 0.0005–0.0010" (12–25 µm), making it ideal for applications requiring tight tolerances.

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Cerakote is trusted across demanding industries — including aerospace, automotive, electronics, defense, and advanced manufacturing. Major companies such as Boeing, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Ford, and the U.S. Department of Defense rely on Cerakote to enhance the lifespan and appearance of critical components.

Benefits 

Thin and Precise

​Applies as a thin, uniform ceramic film (~0.0005–0.0010"), maintaining tight dimensional tolerances.

Chemical Resistant

Protects against harsh solvents, fuels, and environmental exposure — including acetone, diesel, and salt spray.

UV and Heat Resistant

Retains color and performance under prolonged UV exposure and elevated temperatures.

Durable and Scratch-Resistant

Outperforms paints and powder coatings with exceptional resistance to wear, abrasion, and impact.

Hydrophobic and Easy to Clean

Repels water, oils, and contaminants, reducing surface buildup and simplifying maintenance.

Thermal Barrier Properties

Acts as a partial insulator, helping manage surface heat in high-performance applications.

Brands that Trust Cerakote

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Material and Process Compatibility

Tempus 3D can apply Cerakote to a wide range of polymer components, offering one of the few finishing options that combines durability, color precision, and tight tolerances for 3D-printed plastics.

Compatible Printing Process
Compatible Polymers

Compatible polymers include:

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*Tempus 3D can evaluate other polymers for Cerakote compatibility on request.

Illuminated Structure

Design Considerations

Follow these tips to ensure your parts are ready for Cerakote:

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  • Allow for coating thickness of 0.0005–0.0010" (12–25 µm) on coated surfaces.

  • Avoid deep recesses or enclosed features that can’t be reached by the spray.

  • Mark any areas to mask (threads, fits, or sealing surfaces) on your drawing or model.

  • Round sharp edges slightly for better adhesion and coverage.

  • Parts are hung from small hooks during coating and curing, which may leave a minor contact mark. If surface appearance is critical, indicate where a hook can be placed or add a small hanging loop to your design.

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Include drawings or screenshots showing coating and masking areas when you submit your order.

Test Results for HP Nylon PA12

Tests were performed by the Cerakote Technical Training Team on 3D printed parts manufactured by HP with with Multi Jet Fusion technology. The results were impressive: Cerakote coating improved scratch/abrasion resistance, UV stability, chemical resistance, hydrophobic properties, color consistency, and more.

ASTM Test results on Graphite Black (H-146)
  • Cross Hatch Adhesion
    • ASTM D3359 method A:  5A
    • ASTM D3359 method B:  4B
    • ASTM D3363 scratch / gouge:  9H / 7H
 
  • ASTM D4752 - 24 hour Submersion ​
    • Water​
      • before and after mass:  + 0.03 grams​
      • visual color change: no discoloration
    • Acetone
      • before and after mass:  + 0.07 grams​
      • visual color change: no discoloration
    • Diesel
      • before and after mass:  + 0.07 grams​
      • visual color change: no discoloration
 
  • ASTM D1729 - Color Deviation​
    • L/A/B Color  L: 0.4  /  A: 0.009  /  B: 0.06​
    • Deviation of mass across 16 samples:  mass 0.42 grams
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  • ASTM D523 - Gloss Deviation​
    • Gloss standard deviation at 60 degrees:  0.14
Test results on Stormtrooper White (H-297)
  • Cross Hatch Adhesion
    • ASTM D3359 method A:  4A
    • ASTM D3359 method B:  4B
    • ASTM D3363 scratch / gouge:  9H / 6H
 
  • ASTM D4752 - 24 hour Submersion ​
    • Water​
      • before and after mass:  + 0.02 grams​
      • visual color change: no discoloration
    • Acetone
      • before and after mass:  + 0.11 grams​
      • visual color change: no discoloration
    • Diesel
      • before and after mass:  + 0.02 grams​
      • visual color change: no discoloration
 
  • ASTM D1729 - Color Deviation​
    • L/A/B Color  L: 0.18  /  A: 0.03  /  B: 0.13
    • Deviation of mass across 16 samples:  mass 0.42 grams
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  • ASTM D523 - Gloss Deviation​
    • Gloss standard deviation at 60 degrees:  0.65

Testing and Certifications

Cerakote ASTM Wear and Abrasion Tests
Taber Abrasion Test (ASTM D4060)
Seven competitive finishes including Cerakote H-146 Graphite Black were tested in accordance with ASTM D4060. Each finish was tested three separate times in order to validate the test result.

In this test, Cerakote lasted nearly twice as long as the nearest competitive finish and 24 times as long as the furthest competitive finish.
Impact Resistance Test (ASTM D2794)
A 12-gauge shotgun was used to test the flexibility of Cerkote, with impresssive results. 

All Cerakote Elite and nearly every Cerakote H Series have an impact strength measuring 160 in-lbs., which is the maximum the impact tester can measure. The Impact Resistance test (ASTM D2794) measures the resistance of organic coatings to the effects of rapid deformation (Impact).​
Cerakote Testing on SLS and SLA Materials

Independent testing conducted by Cerakote’s Technical Training team demonstrated excellent adhesion, hardness, and chemical resistance when applied to Formlabs SLS and SLA materials.

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Testing Summary

Cerakote H-146 Graphite Black and C-102 Graphite Black coatings were applied to a range of Formlabs polymers, including Rigid 4K, Rigid 10K, Durable, Tough 2000, Grey Pro, and Nylon 12.

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Tests Performed (ASTM Standards):

  • Cross-Hatch Adhesion (D3359)
    Results: 4A–5A (excellent adhesion)

  • Pencil Hardness (D3363)
    Results: 7H–9H (high scratch and gouge resistance)

  • Chemical Resistance
    No discoloration or degradation after 24-hour submersion in diesel, isopropyl alcohol, or methylene chloride (minor discoloration on some resins only).

  • Gloss & Color Stability
    Consistent surface finish (1–3 GU) and stable color under UV exposure.

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Key Findings

  • Strong adhesion and surface integrity across all tested Formlabs polymers.

  • Maintained appearance and durability after solvent and fuel exposure.

  • Excellent hardness and wear performance comparable to metal substrates.

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Conclusion: Cerakote provides a reliable, durable finish for SLS and SLA polymer parts — suitable for both functional and cosmetic applications.

Cerakote Colors

In-Stock Colors
NRA Blue (H-171P)

Gloss: Flat   Gloss units:  4

Corvette Yellow (H-144)

Gloss   Gloss units:  73

Matte Armor Clear (H-301)

Semi Gloss   Gloss units:  58

Firehouse Red (H-216P)

Gloss: Matte   Gloss units:  9

Gloss Black (H-109)

Semi Gloss   Gloss units:  51

Bright White (H-140P)

Semi Gloss   Gloss units:  49

Graphite Black (H-146)

Matte   Gloss units:  9

Need a Specific Color?

Tempus 3D can special-order any Cerakote H-Series color to match your project.
Whether you’re matching a brand color or creating something unique, we’ll help you find the right finish.

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Ready to try Cerakote?

Contact us to learn more, or upload your design to our online quoting tool to get a custom quote

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