The upper and lower receivers were first thoroughly degreased by soaking in acetone for 20 minutes to remove any oils, contaminants, or residue that could interfere with coating adhesion. Once cleaned, both components were abrasive blasted using 10X Engineered Materials EpiX MP media to create the proper surface profile for maximum coating performance.

The interior surfaces were then coated with Cerakote Elite Series E-20150. This premium coating was selected for its enhanced hardness, superior abrasion resistance, and improved lubricity, while maintaining an ultra-thin film build that minimizes dimensional changes and preserves critical tolerances.

After curing, the interior was carefully masked using a combination of high-temperature vinyl, silicone plugs, and custom-cut rubber inserts. These materials were used to protect all coated internal surfaces, threaded areas, and precision-fit locations throughout the application process. Custom masking solutions were created for openings that could not be adequately sealed with standard silicone plugs alone.

Once the interior was fully protected, the upper and lower receivers were assembled and secured together using the takedown pins. This ensured proper alignment throughout the coating process and prevented coating buildup on mating surfaces. The assembled receivers were then blasted a second time to clean and prepare the exterior surfaces, creating an optimal foundation for the camouflage application and ensuring maximum adhesion of the subsequent Cerakote layers.

The scope required careful masking to protect the lenses and optical components throughout the blasting and coating process. I typically measure the lenses with digital calipers and use a plotter to cut custom high-temperature vinyl masks, often applying multiple layers for added protection.

Because the lens openings on this scope were relatively deep, removing the masking after curing would have been difficult. Metal tools cannot be used without risking damage to the lenses, and even plastic razor blades can be challenging to use in such confined spaces. To avoid these issues, I masked the scope from the exterior where the lens caps mount, providing full protection while allowing for easier mask removal and reducing the risk of damaging the finish or optics.

High-temperature vinyl stencils were then applied to create the camouflage pattern. This project marked the first time I used a commercially produced stencil rather than one of my own designs. The stencil set was purchased from Freedom Stencils and is called the “Bape” pattern.

The stencils were carefully positioned to ensure proper alignment and clean pattern transitions across the receivers. Attention was given to contours, edges, and recessed areas to prevent lifting and maintain sharp, consistent lines throughout the coating process.