Keycap Kevin: my Cerakote adventure begins

The brand/process I chose is called Cerakote. This ceramic-based coating system is used primarily for weapons. I’m not a gun nut, but I find the application enticing for my keyboards. Especially since there are many great colours.

What is it exactly?

Cerakote is a polymer-ceramic composite coating. It applies to metal, plastic and wood. It’s resistant to abrasion, wear, corrosion and chemicals and is hard enough to resist strong impacts. A Cerakote layer is only up to 0.07 millimetres thick – about the width of human scalp hair.

In terms of hardness, Cerakote passes the ASTM-D3363 standard test for coating hardness with flying colours. Cerakote also scores top marks in tests covering other specifications.

I don’t subject my keyboards to the same ordeal as a firearm. Nevertheless, I’ve already managed to make some scratches. This should occur less frequently with Cerakote than with an anodised keyboard. In addition, a Cerakote keyboard simply looks cool.

What does it need?

Cerakote offers a variety of series with different properties. The H series is most common and suitable for beginners – so perfect for me. I’m going to buy a starter kit. It contains three sample paint bottles, which should be enough for twelve guns. Don’t know how that transfers. Somewhat perplexed, I try to convert pistols to keyboards. I assume that one bottle per keyboard should be enough. A measuring cylinder, a paint gun and disposable filters are also included in the kit.

Besides the starter kit, I need a compressor, a distilling trap, a sandblasting booth, an oven and a place to spray. I already have the compressor and distilling trap. I make a small sandblasting box out of scrap wood. You can see what it looks like in the video below. I use a freestanding small oven – it’s big enough for keyboard parts. The H series has to harden for two hours at around 120 degrees Celsius.

Now I have everything ready. Next week, I’ll tell you how my first Cerakote attempt went and if it’s worth the second look.