How to Cerakote a Rifle Scope

I’ve Cerakoted a number of rifles and parts on the channel — it’s time to customize an Athlon Midas TAC 5-25×56 rifle scope!

Disclaimer

Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by reading this article and/or watching video content you accept these terms). The content on this website (including videos, articles, ammunition reloading data, technical articles, gunsmithing and other information) is for demonstration purposes only. Do not attempt any of the processes or procedures shown or described on this website. All gunsmithing procedures should be carried out by a qualified and licensed gunsmith at their own risk. Do not attempt to repair or modify any firearms based on information on this website. Ultimate Reloader, LLC and Making With Metal can not be held liable for property or personal damage due to viewers/readers of this website performing activities, procedures, techniques, or practices described in whole or part on this website. By accepting these terms, you agree that you alone are solely responsible for your own safety and property as it pertains to activities, procedures, techniques, or practices described in whole or part on this website.

Special Considerations

Cerakoting a rifle scope takes a few special considerations. I learned how to do this at Cerakote’s Advanced Training.

Athlon Optic After Advanced Cerakote Training

The first consideration is masking. This requires considerable attention to detail and precision as there are certain engravings and emblems that we do not want to Cerakote.

The second step is scuffing with Scotch-Brite. This has the same purpose as sandblasting, but is a gentler method that doesn’t cram abrasive media into the scope. The third consideration is curing. It’s important to cure the scope Cerakote at 150 degrees rather than the typical 250 degrees as scopes contain a number of temperature-sensitive components including polymer.

Having two ovens makes it easy to cure simultaneously at different temperatures. I use two BAE-0200 ovens from Built American (Use the code UR5 to save 5% sitewide.) If I were to be Cerakoting a scope, mount, and chassis all at once, I could cure the mount and chassis in one oven and the scope in the other.

Preparation

I began by wiping the scope with acetone.

The next step was to mask the scope using high-temperature vinyl and high-temperature tape.

I used a compass, scissors, and X-ACTO knife to cut the circles for the lenses.

I also masked the elevation and windage scales, turret markings, parallax, Athlon emblem, scope designation markings, and all other informational areas.

I did have to decide whether to crank the eyepiece all the way out or all the way in, leaving some black exposed. I decided to crank it all the way in to keep the black contrast against my tan Cerakote. (I did the opposite with the elevation turret.)

After all of this precision work, I donned gloves again and carefully scuffed the scope with a red Scotch-Brite pad.

Be sure to use a brand-new Scotch-Brite pad to avoid contaminants and to not disturb the masking. Next I blew off the scope with compressed air and secured it in a clamp before cleaning it with acetone a second time.

Strategically using a clamp over both scope lenses allows for easy hanging.

Application

I mixed the Coyote Tan Cerakote (H-235) and measured it on the A&D EJ-3000 balance.

Next, I applied one coat of it to the scope in the DSBE-1500 spray booth, and let it flash for 5 minutes.

I followed this with a second coat and 15 minute flash time.

During this flash time, I preheated the oven to 150 degrees Fahrenheit and cleaned the spray gun. When the flash time was up, I hung the scope in the oven and let it cure for two hours.

At this point the scope is completely covered and it’s time to remove the masking to reveal the preserved areas.

Conclusion

Customizing a rifle scope can give it and your rifle a completely different feel.

I was extremely pleased with how it turned out. Cerakoting a scope is just another way to alter your rifle and shooting experience by making it truly unique to you. Keep in mind this is just a simple demonstration – there is so much more I could do including using multiple colors and laser imaging.