docscoutjr Posted January 11, 2023 Share Posted January 11, 2023 I have the tough decision to get my new open build done in DLC as part of my 'smiths package or take it bald and get it Cerkote'd TTMA it. As I live in Canada this will a forever thing (assuming I am still allowed to keep it moving forward), so am torn between a super fancy colour scheme or the more durable DLC. Thanks, DL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rnlinebacker Posted January 11, 2023 Share Posted January 11, 2023 DLC is a much stronger coating. Go in that direction Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ltdmstr Posted January 12, 2023 Share Posted January 12, 2023 In terms of durability, Cerakote is pretty much worthless. On the list of available finishes, most would have DLC at or near the top, and Cerakote at or near the bottom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docscoutjr Posted January 12, 2023 Author Share Posted January 12, 2023 Thanks!! Function vs. Fashion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerTrace Posted January 12, 2023 Share Posted January 12, 2023 My choices in order: Hard Chrome DLC, PVD, etc Black Nitride Cerakote With that said, I have an LWRC that rides with me every day at work. In and out of a rifle lock at least twice a week and it's Cerakote is holding up better than anodizing did on my SMG45. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
APL-G35 Posted January 12, 2023 Share Posted January 12, 2023 DLC no contest. It will hold up, be a smoother gun to operate and no buildup causing tolerance issues like cerakote can have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boomstick303 Posted January 12, 2023 Share Posted January 12, 2023 DLC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posvar Posted January 12, 2023 Share Posted January 12, 2023 DLC! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight85 Posted January 14, 2023 Share Posted January 14, 2023 I’m a fan of DLC, my 19 has lived in my Florida soaked waist line for years with zero problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sc68cal Posted January 14, 2023 Share Posted January 14, 2023 I had a gun that was Cerakote and it picked up scratches like there was no tomorrow. DLC or Black Nitride Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcrunner Posted January 14, 2023 Share Posted January 14, 2023 if you just need it done quick or want a certain color not available in pvd or dlc, cerakote. otherwise I'd pick DLC each time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regor Posted January 14, 2023 Share Posted January 14, 2023 On 1/11/2023 at 7:40 PM, docscoutjr said: Thanks!! Function vs. Fashion. DLC applied to a high polished slide/frame can look quite striking. If you want it fancy you could also see if the builder has relationship with any laser engraving shops that would do something custom pre-DLC so you'd have something unique. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posvar Posted January 15, 2023 Share Posted January 15, 2023 1 hour ago, regor said: DLC applied to a high polished slide/frame can look quite striking. If you want it fancy you could also see if the builder has relationship with any laser engraving shops that would do something custom pre-DLC so you'd have something unique. I love that look! High polish and DLC on top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hre321 Posted January 16, 2023 Share Posted January 16, 2023 DLC gives a superhard coating that helps lubricity (action feels smoother/slicker), but doesn't necessarily help that much with corrosion protection. Cerakote will hurt function until it wears in (gummy, sluggish, while you're wearing through it on mating/sliding surfaces). CKote, however, is outstanding for corrosion protection, and is a pretty tough finish in general. Once it wears in it's typically no worse than a standard action (no finish special coating/finish). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Currywurst Posted January 16, 2023 Share Posted January 16, 2023 DLC was originally developed as an industrial anti-friction / anti wear coating. Cerakote was developed... I don't know. To offer finishing with a modest investment and have nice colours? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ltdmstr Posted January 16, 2023 Share Posted January 16, 2023 Yep. DLC is primarily used to coat high quality cutting tools used for hard surface machining, like carbide end mills. For that application, it increases tool life, facilitates chip removal and allows for dry machining. Cerakote is basically a two-part baked-on paint. It will typically wear through at any contact areas very quickly, leaving no protection on those surfaces. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lacivilian Posted January 16, 2023 Share Posted January 16, 2023 DLC wins in all categories from lubricity to surface strength. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azshooter44 Posted March 15, 2023 Share Posted March 15, 2023 DLC has excellent wear resistance and lubricity, while also being ultra-hard. Take a look at SIG legions that have been holstered/unholstered 500 times to see the wear-resistance of cerakote. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevrend Posted March 30, 2023 Share Posted March 30, 2023 My open gun is cerakoted from the factory and it has worn away in every spot that it contacts my Guga Ribas holster. In some ways, it looks cool. But if you want a gun that looks like a safe queen, go DLC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lbrace Posted April 9, 2023 Share Posted April 9, 2023 Does anyone have a recommendation on a DLC coating company? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerTrace Posted April 10, 2023 Share Posted April 10, 2023 Richter Precision is who GGI is using and I think Cheely uses them as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atlas33 Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 DLC without question. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
392heminut Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 35 minutes ago, Atlas33 said: DLC without question. Congratulations, you finally got your post count up to 50! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atlas33 Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 (edited) Haha yeah, not new to the forum, just have used it for research in the past to learn. Edited April 10 by Atlas33 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posvar Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 13 minutes ago, 392heminut said: Congratulations, you finally got your post count up to 50! Yeah. I got the popcorn ready. Let’s see what will be for sale! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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