After full disassembly, all components were degreased in acetone and abrasive blasted. Polymer parts were blasted at 60 PSI, and all metal components at 110 PSI. Blast media used was 10X Engineered Materials mineral wool, which provides consistent surface prep and is Cerakote-approved.

The upper and lower receiver interiors were coated in Elite Series Blackout. The Elite Series is preferred for internal surfaces due to its higher hardness, improved abrasion resistance, and added lubricity, all while maintaining a thinner film thickness. Once cured, all interior surfaces were masked to protect critical areas prior to exterior coating.

The exterior was finished in H-Series Northern Lights, a blue-green color-shift coating.

The stock, grip, trigger, pins, and small components were coated in C-Series Burnt Bronze to match the barrel and compensator. These components require high-temperature resistance; the C-Series air-cure coating provides the necessary durability under heat.

The handguard was coated in Northern Lights and flash-cured at 150°F to remove surface tack without fully curing, allowing for proper adhesion of subsequent steps.

The engraved “M” logo was then delicately colored in with H-series Bright Purple using the color-fill pen. Once complete, the handguard was fully cured with the upper and lower at 250°F.

The bolt was disassembled and soaked in acetone for degreasing. Both the bolt and carrier were then abrasive blasted to properly prepare the surface for coating.

The bolt was coated in Cerakote’s Dry Film Lubricant (DFL-200), applied in three light coats to achieve an approximate film thickness of 0.7 mils.

DFL-200 is a ceramic-based, PFAS-free coating engineered for extreme durability and low-friction performance in high-wear environments. According to Cerakote, it is a first-to-market formulation utilizing advanced solid lubricants to deliver increased efficiency, excellent abrasion resistance, and full REACH/RoHS compliance without the use of fluoropolymers.

After curing for 15 minutes once the parts reached 250°F, the bolt assembly was reassembled. A slick film remains on the surface after curing, which is normal for this coating.

Key performance characteristics include:

• Ultra-low friction for improved cycling efficiency

• Exceptional wear resistance under heavy load

• PFAS-free and regulatory compliant

• Fast, low-temperature cure for efficient processing

• Over 40% lower coefficient of friction compared to PTFE (Teflon)

The 60-round polymer magazine was first masked at the witness windows on both sides, then abrasive blasted at 60 PSI to create a proper surface profile. After blasting, the part was cleaned using Stem Solve, which we use specifically for polymer components, as acetone can damage or deform plastics. Once thoroughly cleaned and wiped down, an adhesion promoter was applied using an HVLP-80 spray gun to improve long-term coating adhesion. The promoter was applied in two light coats to ensure even coverage without excessive buildup, which can lead to runs or bonding issues.

After the promoter flashed off, the magazine was coated using Cerakote H-Series in a four-color sectional camo pattern, including Fools Gold, Burnt Bronze, Midnight Bronze, and Northern Lights. The pattern was designed in Adobe Illustrator and cut from high-temperature vinyl using a vinyl plotter. Vinyl masks were applied between coating stages to achieve clean lines and consistent transitions. Once all coating stages were complete, the part was cured according to H-Series specifications to ensure full durability and performance.