Firearm Finish Comparison Testing in Salt Chamber
When evaluating firearm finishes, one should consider hardness, chemical resistance, lubricity, abrasion resistance, and color. However, none of these factors are as critical as corrosion protection. The average firearm owner deals with corrosion more than any other finish-related problem. Accordingly, when selecting an exterior finish for the metal components of your guns, you should look for a product with superior corrosion resistance. Thanks to Cerakote, we now have some science to help you make that decision….
How well do various firearm finishes resist corrosion?
Watch the video below to find out.
Eight Gun Finishes Tested — With Surprising Results
Eight (8) various finishes are tested, including Blueing, Cerakote, DuraCoat, FailZero, Ion Bond, KG Gun Kote, NiBX, and Phosphate (Parkerizing). Eight metal firearm components (each with a different finish) are placed into the salt chamber to see how long it takes for each finish to show initial signs of corrosion. To provide a baseline for comparison, a “naked” 416 stainless steel barrel was also placed inside the test chamber. The test was started, and for each coating, the time was recorded when corrosion started to appear. FYI, if you thought “stainless steel” can’t rust, think again. The stainless barrel sample (along with the blued metal sample) showed visible corrosion after just 24 hours!
After 24 Hours in Salt Chamber
After 48 Hours in Salt Chamber
After 172 Hours in Salt Chamber
Salt Chamber Testing — 5% Salt Concentration at 95°F
According to ASTM B117-03, the Corrosion Test provides a controlled corrosive environment which has been utilized to produce relative corrosion resistance information for specimens of metals and coated metals exposed in a given test chamber. The salt chamber is set to a temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit with a 5% salt concentration. Salt Chamber testing is used to draw a comparison between metals and finishes and does not correlate to a specific number of hours of real world use.
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Tags: ASTM test, Blueing, Cerakote, Corrosion, Gun Kote, Ion Bond, Parkerizing, Rust Test, Salt Chamber, Stainless
I see the Black T by Birdsong is not listed in this test. By all means if you do not know about his Teflon based coating look it up. I have a Les Baer Thunder Ranch 1911 and had it coated and am not disappointed. Their coating EXCEEDS ALL testing. Salt spray at 500-1500 hrs @ 98% humidity and 120 deg. Website is black-t.com.
Ok, a report by Cerakote that shows Cerakote is the best, surprising
Just because it was conducted by Cerakote doesn’t mean it isn’t valid.
I have had over 10 firearms coated using Black-T , long guns and handguns, and I have no complaints . It is superb.
I will start this by saying I have dog in the fight or financial interest in Cogan Arms. Bob Cogan’s Industrial Hard Chrome finish is one if not THE toughest finishes in the industry. I am retired from the USCG and also lived in Kodiak Alaska for almost 14 years, I do know a little about guns and salt water exposure. When I was not performing USCG duties I worked part times as an assistant bear guide. My 1895GG in .45-70 had this finish as well as a Rem model 700 in .308 that was my deer rifle . Is it 100% impervious to salt water corrosion? No, is anything you can cover a gun with? No, have I seen Glock and SIG handguns rust, yeah, I have. Have I seen Browning stainless steel stalker rifles rust shut, yep. that too. Nothing beat the brushed industrial hard chrome finish, looks like stainless steel finish that Cogan arms did for me. The best. Your mileage may vary
Enjoy