Duracoat Satin Clear - UK Source

Just an FYI: Industrial version is called "Polane", and can be had (usually) by any major industrial paint supplier (especifically if they carry Sherwin WIlliams products).
 
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Thank you! Is it the same product, just under a different name?
As I understand it (from an industry insider), yes. Lauer Arms just has it packaged in smaller containers, and branded under their name. Apparently, looking at the MSDS sheets, they are identical (and how it was discovered by some industry service providers). Not surprising, as Lauer never states that they make it themselves.

I suspect that's why Lauer (years back) wouldn't warranty the coating unless it was by an "Approved and Certified Duracoat" dealer (who had to attend their "classes" and agree to only use their products). I think people found out, and were offering "Duracoat" services, but were using industrial Polane instead, bypassing Lauer's mark up, buying the product in bulk, but using Lauer's "Duracoat" branding in advertising their services.

Since then Cerrokote has surpassed Duracoat in durability, so Durakote has fallen a bit out of favor. But make no mistake, it's still a very good coating. I[ve used it on several chassis and magazines, and while it does scratch easier, it's still pretty tough stuff.

ETA: For the clear coating, you're probably looking for "Polane L".
 
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As I understand it (from an industry insider), yes. Lauer Arms just has it packaged in smaller containers, and branded under their name. Apparently, looking at the MSDS sheets, they are identical (and how it was discovered by some industry service providers). Not surprising, as Lauer never states that they make it themselves.

I suspect that's why Lauer (years back) wouldn't warranty the coating unless it was by an "Approved and Certified Duracoat" dealer (who had to attend their "classes" and agree to only use their products). I think people found out, and were offering "Duracoat" services, but were using industrial Polane instead, bypassing Lauer's mark up, buying the product in bulk, but using Lauer's "Duracoat" branding in advertising their services.

Since then Cerrokote has surpassed Duracoat in durability, so Durakote has fallen a bit out of favor. But make no mistake, it's still a very good coating. I[ve used it on several chassis and magazines, and while it does scratch easier, it's still pretty tough stuff.

ETA: For the clear coating, you're probably looking for "Polane L".

Perfect, thanks for the detailed reply, it’s massively appreciated!
 
I don't think it's worth paying the extortionate prices for either Duracoat or Cerakote. They're just 2 pack paints at the end of the day despite their marketing hype.

I would look for a suitable 2k polyurethane paint. I painted a stock with matte 2k polyurethane and it's tough and looks great. I used a Lechsys industrial 2 pack matte paint from Express Paints (they'll mix any RAL colour you need).
 
I don't think it's worth paying the extortionate prices for either Duracoat or Cerakote. They're just 2 pack paints at the end of the day despite their marketing hype.

I would look for a suitable 2k polyurethane paint. I painted a stock with matte 2k polyurethane and it's tough and looks great. I used a Lechsys industrial 2 pack matte paint from Express Paints (they'll mix any RAL colour you need).
For Duracoat, I agree. But Cerakote is a horse of another color (or "colour"). That stuff is durable as hell. I have literally beaten the crap out of my AI-AT, and (minus the plastic skins) is little worse for wear. I have a XLR chassis that I Duracoated way back when Cerakote was just coming out. Went through the whole degreasing/prep routine, airbrushed the parts, baked them in the oven...the whole process. That chassis still looks pretty decent today, but does show the wear more than the Cerakote. And that chassis did take some abuse as well (it my first PRS rifle, back when chassis were still a relatively new thing and only 2 or 3 companies even offered chassis).
 
Is there a reason for Duracoat over Cerakote? They're both good coatings but having applied both I do prefer Cerakote for longevity. Can I ask what it is for?
 
For Duracoat, I agree. But Cerakote is a horse of another color (or "colour"). That stuff is durable as hell. I have literally beaten the crap out of my AI-AT, and (minus the plastic skins) is little worse for wear. I have a XLR chassis that I Duracoated way back when Cerakote was just coming out. Went through the whole degreasing/prep routine, airbrushed the parts, baked them in the oven...the whole process. That chassis still looks pretty decent today, but does show the wear more than the Cerakote. And that chassis did take some abuse as well (it my first PRS rifle, back when chassis were still a relatively new thing and only 2 or 3 companies even offered chassis).
I've had a rifle and a stock cerakoted and they haven't been durable finishes for me, but that may be down to poor coating processes. I understand that cerakote is 2k epoxy based.
 
They're both 2 part epoxy paints, but the Cerakote tends to be more durable IME. Duracoat is still better than just regular paint (by a long shot), just not as resistant to chips and scratches as Cerakote.

I suspect it's just part of the differences between the two. Duracoat can be air cured (takes a week) or oven cured (two hours). Cerakote absolutely requires oven curing. No high heat, and it will not harden. I suspect whatever it is that requires the oven curing, is why it is so much more durable.

With either solution, preparation of the surface is critical to a good finish. If the prep sucks (oil from fingerprints, residual grease and oil that weeps from recesses, etc.), the durability will suffer. The surface needs to be absolutely clean and free of any oils or waxes.
 
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