Our Golden AK was at the Cerakote booth! Shot Show 2025

Published on February 2, 2025
Duration: 7:51

This video details the Cerakote refinishing process for an AK-106 rifle, showcasing the application of Cerakote's FX additive for a metallic gold finish. The firearm was rebuilt to a traditional 74-spec with a new Rosco barrel and custom muzzle brake. The process involves surface preparation, application of base and clear coats with FX additive, and oven curing, resulting in a durable and aesthetically unique finish.

Quick Summary

Cerakote FX is an additive for clear coats that creates metallic sheens like gold, copper, or titanium on firearms. The application involves etching, degreasing, spraying the FX-infused clear coat over a base layer, and oven curing for a durable, aesthetically unique finish suitable for high-wear applications.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Golden AK Reveal
  2. 00:36Shot Show 2025 and Ryan Schmidt from Cerakote
  3. 00:42Rachel's AK-106: The Restoration Project
  4. 01:06Cerakote Super Grip Paint and FX Additive
  5. 01:35Rebuilding to Traditional 74-Spec
  6. 01:43New Barrel and Muzzle Brake Installation
  7. 02:08Cerakote's Wall of Guns at Shot Show
  8. 02:25The Gold AK's Durability and History
  9. 02:43Future Competition Use for the AK
  10. 03:00Gratitude to Cerakote and Partners
  11. 03:21Interview with MK3 Firearms Applicators
  12. 04:00Kevin from MK3 Firearms: Cerakote Certification
  13. 04:44Early Cerakote Work: Sin City Review Verer
  14. 05:23The Cerakote Application Process Explained
  15. 06:14Cerakote FX Application Details
  16. 06:43MK3 AK74 Style Muzzle Brake Spotlight
  17. 07:06Final Thanks and M13 Industries
  18. 07:15Full Interview Link and Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cerakote FX and how does it create a metallic finish on firearms?

Cerakote FX is an additive mixed into clear Cerakote coats. It contains metallic powders that, when cured, create a shimmering metallic sheen on the firearm's surface. This allows for unique finishes like gold, copper, or titanium over a base coat.

What modifications were made to the AK-106 to convert it to a 74-spec?

The AK-106 was rebuilt to a traditional 74-spec by installing a new 16-inch Rosco barrel, a 90-degree gas block, a 24mm front sight post, and a custom MK3 Firearms 74-style muzzle brake. A factory front and rear sight block were also reinstalled.

How durable is a Cerakote finish, especially with the FX additive?

Cerakote is known for its extreme durability, being a ceramic polymer coating that is very hard. The FX additive is applied within a clear coat before curing, so it maintains the inherent toughness of Cerakote, making it suitable for high-round count firearms and competition use.

What is the typical process for applying Cerakote to a firearm?

The Cerakote process involves preparing the firearm's surface by etching it with aluminum oxide and degreasing thoroughly. Then, the coating is mixed with a hardener and transporter, sprayed on, and cured in an oven. The oven process evaporates the transporter, leaving the hard ceramic and polymer layer.

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