Veteran-Owned, Factory-Certified Cerakote Applicator in Battle Ground, WA | The Warrior Solution
The Warrior Solution is a veteran-owned small business, serving Battle Ground, Washington and the surrounding southern Washington and northern Oregon areas. The focus of our small business is firearms & gear, and we hold an 07 Federal Firearms License (FFL). We offer customization from laser engraving and Cerakote services, as well as gunsmithing and retail sales for the gear you need.
We make the process easy for you—handling the complete disassembly and reassembly of your firearm, ensuring you don’t have to worry about fine-tuning or technical details. With our understanding of firearm function and fitment, we ensure your firearm operates as well as it looks. We test fitment and function on every firearm because no one wants a fresh Cerakote finish that’s too thick and compromises performance.Â
Whether you’re looking for a simple single-color application, a multi-color design, or a fully custom-themed firearm, we have you covered. We also offer laser engraving, laser stippling, and other customization options to create a firearm that is both durable and uniquely yours.Â
We help protect and personalize your firearm with attention to detail and quality customer service. Reach out today to start your custom Cerakote transformation—let’s bring your vision to life.
Why Cerakote? The Ultimate Protection and Personalization for Your Firearm
Cerakote is more than a coating—it’s the ultimate solution for protecting, enhancing, and personalizing your firearm. This industry-leading ceramic-based coating is engineered to deliver unmatched durability, wear resistance, and customization possibilities, making it the perfect choice for firearm owners who want both form and function.
The Benefits of Cerakote
Unparalleled Durability
Cerakote is specifically designed to protect your firearm from everyday wear, corrosion, and extreme weather conditions. It’s highly resistant to abrasions, scratches, and impacts, ensuring your firearm can endure harsh environments. Whether you’re heading to the range, out in the field, or just want long-lasting protection, Cerakote provides the toughness you need.Corrosion Resistance
Unlike traditional coatings, Cerakote offers superior protection against humidity, salt, and other corrosive elements. For firearm owners in the damp Pacific Northwest, this is a game-changer, keeping your gun in pristine condition for years to come.Enhanced Performance
Cerakote coatings reduce friction and improve lubricity, which translates into smoother operation and less wear on moving parts. Functionality and reliability are not sacrificed—we function test every firearm we Cerakote.Custom Aesthetic Options
With a stellar range of colors, patterns, and finishes, Cerakote offers endless customization possibilities from single-color coatings to intricate designs like camouflage, patriotic themes, or personalized logos.
Why Choose The Warrior Solution for Your Cerakote Project?
The Warrior Solution takes Cerakote application to the next level by combining our factory certification with our firearms knowledge. Unlike some applicators, we don’t just spray and ship—we handle your firearm with extraordinary care, ensuring the fit and function after the coating process. Every firearm we customize and assemble is function-tested and handled as if it were our own.
Whether you’re looking for a rugged, durable finish or a completely unique look that stands out from the crowd, we’re happy to bring your vision to life. If you’re still wondering if Cerakote is the right choice for your firearm, reach out to us with any questions, and we’ll talk with you about the benefits for your specific needs.
Our Cerakote Services & Pricing
The Warrior Solution offers a wide range of Cerakote options —whether you’re upgrading a handgun, rifle, or another firearm or part. From simple, sleek finishes to intricate, custom designs, we are here to help protect and personalize your firearm as you envision.
The following prices are for cash payments, not including the cost of shipping your firearm(s) where applicable. Prices posted online are subject to change and may be delayed in reflecting updates within our shop in Battle Ground, WA.Â
Please contact us for a more detailed quote for your project, and let us know if you have any questions.
Pistols - Semi Auto Handguns
Disassembly & reassembly is $50 per pistol. Additional colors are $50 each.
Single Color
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Complete Handgun $180
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Frame Only $120
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Slide Only $100
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Barrel Only $70
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Controls (Small Parts) $15 each
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Magazine $35
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Magazine Baseplate $20
Two Colors
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Complete Handgun Battle Worn $230
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Frame Only Battle Worn $170
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Slide Only Battle Worn $150
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Barrel Only Battle Worn $120
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Controls Battle Worn $35 each
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Basic Stencil Pattern $250
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Add Laser Engraving Starting @ $50
Multi Color & Camo Patterns
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Tiger Stripe (2 Colors) $275
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Woodland Camo (3 Colors) $325
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Multi-Cam $395
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Kryptek $420
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Hexagon Patterns $420
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Digital Camo $500
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Complex Theme Build $550+
AR-15 Rifles - AKs - Semi Auto Rifles
Disassembly & reassembly is $75 per rifle. Additional colors are $50 each.
Single Color
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Complete Rifle $400+
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Builder Set (Upper + Lower + Handguard) $250
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Lower Receiver Only $80
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Upper Receiver Only $80
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Handguard $95
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Controls (Small Parts) $15 each
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Bolt Carrier Group (Micro Slick) $75
Two Colors
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Complete Rifle Battle Worn $475
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Builder Set Battle Worn $300
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Barrel Only Battle Worn $120
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Barrel, Gas Block, Muzzle Device $175
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Basic Stencil Pattern $425
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Add Laser Engraving Starting @ $50
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NFA Engraving $75
Multi Color & Camo Patterns
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Tiger Stripe (2 Colors) $425
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Woodland Camo (3 Colors) $450
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Multi-Cam $550
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Kryptek $650
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Hexagon Patterns $650
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Digital Camo $750
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Complex Theme Build $850+
Shotguns
Disassembly & reassembly is $90 per shotgun. (Complex and side-by-side shotguns are $130.) Additional colors are $50 each.
Single Color
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Complete Shotgun (Pump) $280
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Complete Shotgun (Semi Auto) $300
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Shotgun Stock + Forend $110
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Shotgun Barrel $75
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Controls (Small Parts) $15 each
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Bolt (Micro Slick) $75
Two Colors
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Complete Shotgun Battle Worn (Pump) $330
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Complete Shotgun Battle Worn (Semi Auto) $375
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Basic Stencil Pattern $380
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Add Laser Engraving Starting @ $50
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NFA Engraving $75
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Cerakote FX (Color Shifting) $325
Multi Color & Camo Patterns
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Tiger Stripe (2 Colors) $320
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Woodland Camo (3 Colors) $450
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Multi-Cam $550
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Kryptek $650
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Hexagon Patterns $650
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Digital Camo $750
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Complex Theme Build $850+
Bolt Action Rifles
Disassembly & reassembly is $75 per rifle. Additional colors are $50 each.
Single Color
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Complete Rifle $295
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Barrel + Action + Bottom Metal $200
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Rifle Stock Only $125
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Bolt Only (Micro Slick) $80
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Magazine $30
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Controls (Small Parts) $15 each
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Bipod $175
Two Colors
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Complete Rifle Battle Worn $330
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Basic Stencil Pattern $350
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Stock/Chassis Only Battle Worn $250
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Add Laser Engraving Starting @ $50
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NFA Engraving $75
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Cerakote FX (Color Shifting) $325
Multi Color & Camo Patterns
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Tiger Stripe (2 Colors) $350
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Woodland Camo (3 Colors) $400
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Multi-Cam $450
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Kryptek $550
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Hexagon Patterns $570
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Digital Camo $700
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Complex Theme Build $750+
Extra Large Rifles, NFA Machine Guns, Etc
Please contact us for a quote for your specific oversized/complex weapon. Be ready to provide measurements to make sure everything will fit properly in our blasting cabinet and oven before starting your order. Plan on a minimum of $500 for single-color applications on Barretts, LMGs, etc. Also, AWESOME that you have one!
If you are outside Washington State, ATF requires written approval to transport NFA items (except suppressors) across state lines for any reason. You will need to complete (in duplicate) and submit ATF Form 5320.20 before sending your NFA item to be Cerakoted. Yes, this applies if you live in the Portland area, just half an hour from us, unfortunately. Here is a video explaining the process.
Optics, Knives, Accessories, Etc
Things like scopes and optics require a lot more time and prep to Cerakote properly while also ensuring the optic works as it should afterward (i.e. masking off critical areas, controls, glass, etc., as well as hand prepping vs sandblasting). These prices are a basic guideline and may not reflect the final price for your specific project.Â
We recommend using C series Cerakote for optics, lights, and other sensitive components. C series is an air cure (versus oven cure), which takes five days to fully cure. Some color variation may happen between oven-cured and air-cured colors.
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Large Scope + Masking $300
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Small Scope + Masking $250
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Red Dot Optic + Masking $225
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Bipod $175
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Magazine $30
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Magazine Baseplate $20
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Controls (Small Parts) $15 each
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Fixed Blade Knife >10 Inches $65
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Folding Knives $125
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Multi-Tools $250
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Large Knives / Swords $150
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Add Laser Engraving Starting @ $50
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Disassembly + Reassembly $25-$100
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EDC Light $150
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Weapon Light $175
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Tumbler $45
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Custom Laser + Cerakote on Tumbler $95+
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Belt Buckles $60
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Ammo Can $100
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Custom Colors $75+
Frequently Asked Questions About Cerakote
What is Cerakote?
Cerakote is a ceramic-based protective coating known for its durability, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and customizable finishes. It’s commonly applied to firearms but can also be used on metals, plastics, wood, and composites.
Why is Cerakote so expensive?
Cerakote is expensive for several reasons, including the cost of the actual paint-like coating, along with acetone, blasting media, and other consumables used to properly prep the item and apply the coating. The prep process involves completely disassembling everything (and I mean EVERYTHING, down to the last spring and detent), degreasing everything, and sandblasting the parts with aluminum oxide. After spraying Cerakote, the parts are baked in a large industrial oven. After baking, everything has to be properly put back together (including use of Loctite, grease, oil, etc.) and function tested to make sure everything functions as it should. The equipment cost to properly apply Cerakote starts around $10k and goes way up from there. Additional costs include the Federal and state firearms licenses to apply Cerakote for the general public.Â
How can I save some money to get something Cerakoted?
The easiest way you can save some money is to do the complete disassembly and reassembly of your firearm yourself, which would save the $50-$90 line item we charge to do it, depending on the type of firearm. If you’re confident you can do it yourself, by all means, go for it! We don’t really want to charge for this service, but it does take quite a bit of time to do it properly.Â
Disassembling everything yourself might also save on some shipping cost if you aren’t local. Only send us the parts to be coated, not the springs, slings, etc. We offer discounted shipping rates, and we do not mark up shipping costs.
Do you offer volume discounts or OEM coating services?
If you are a manufacturer, please contact us with your specific needs and projected volume for a customized quote. Â
How long will it take to Cerakote my project?
This is highly dependent on our current workload, but the average time is about two to four weeks. It’s best to contact us for a more specific timeline estimate, if you have a specific time requirement.
Why choose Cerakote over other coatings?
Cerakote offers vastly superior durability, wear resistance, and corrosion protection compared to alternatives like powder coating, anodizing, or traditional bluing. It also withstands higher temperatures (up to 1800°F/982°C) and provides long-lasting performance even in harsh environments.
What are the benefits of Cerakote?
Some of the key benefits include outstanding durability, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, a wide range of color options, and improved performance due to its ability to reduce friction and increase wear resistance. Additionally, it does not chip or peel easily, and it’s easy to clean and maintain.
What items can be coated with Cerakote?
Cerakote can be applied to firearms, automotive parts, outdoor gear, tools, medical devices, aerospace components, and even household items & artwork. Its versatility makes it popular across multiple industries.
How does Cerakote compare to other finishes?
- Powder Coating: While both are durable, Cerakote is more heat resistant and suitable for high-temperature applications. Powder coating produces a much thicker layer than Cerakote, which makes it a poor choice for high-tolerance fitted parts like those in firearms.
- Bluing: Cerakote offers far better wear resistance and corrosion protection. Check out the video below to see just how much better Cerakote is than traditional bluing.
- Anodizing:Â Cerakote is preferred for its wear resistance, higher color consistency, and lack of environmental hazards.
- Teflon® or Xylan®: Cerakote outperforms these coatings in corrosion tests, staying rust-free for significantly longer periods.
Is Cerakote heat-resistant?
Yes, Cerakote excels in high-heat environments. For example, the Glacier Series remains stable at temperatures up to 1800°F (982°C), making it ideal for parts like gun barrels, suppressors, and exhaust systems. Different types of Cerakote have different levels of heat resistance. The H-Series is the most commonly recognized and used Cerakote and has a heat tolerance of approximately 500 to 600°F. This series is also known for its wide range of colors and strong resistance to wear, scratches, and rust.
C Series has the highest heat resistance, up to 1800°F (982°C). The downside to C Series is that it is air cured, meaning you’re looking at a longer turn around time because the parts have to dry for a full five days.
How durable is Cerakote?
Cerakote provides exceptional resistance to wear, abrasion, impact, and chemicals. When properly applied and maintained, it can last for many years, even under regular use.
Does Cerakote protect against corrosion?
Yes, Cerakote is highly corrosion-resistant, making it an excellent choice for products exposed to moisture or harsh environments. It has been tested to last thousands of hours in salt fog and humid conditions.
What colors and finishes are available?
Cerakote offers hundreds of color options and various finishes, including matte, glossy, and textured. This allows for endless customization, whether for aesthetics or camouflage purposes. You can see all of the colors and types of Cerakote here.
Can Cerakote be applied to moving parts?
Yes, Cerakote is thin enough to maintain the tight tolerances necessary for moving parts, ensuring it does not interfere with the functionality of complex mechanisms. For very tight-tolerance items, such as hand-fitted 1911 parts, the Cerakote may need to be removed in some areas to maintain tolerance.Â
How is Cerakote applied?
The process involves meticulous surface preparation, application using specialized equipment, and curing the coating. Each step is vital to ensure adhesion and durability, which is why professional application is highly recommended.
Can Cerakote be applied at home?
DIY kits exist, but professional application is recommended for optimal durability and appearance. Improper application can affect the coating’s longevity and performance. To apply Cerakote at home, you will need a blasting cabinet with 100 grit aluminum oxide, an HVLP spray gun, adequately sized air compressor to run the blasting cabinet and spray gun, as well as water/oil seperators in the air lines. You will also need an oven large enough to cure the coating unless you use C series, which is air cured.
I want to have something coated that is not listed on this page.
Cool, send us an email about what you have in mind. We will need to know the type of material the item(s) is made of, how large & heavy it is, and what your intended end use is for the item(s) to recommend the best type of Cerakote for your specific project.Â
Is Cerakote environmentally friendly?
Cerakote does not contain heavy metals, and it is VOC-compliant across all U.S. states, making it a more environmentally friendly option compared to some other coatings. You can learn more about Cerakote PFAS-FREE coatings here.
How do I ship my firearm to have it Cerakoted?
This is a great question and a very important one. The short answer is that we will send a prepaid shipping label for you to ship your item(s) to us, which takes care of all the FFL requirements, signature requirements, etc. All we need from you is a copy of your ID and the order form in the box (no ammo included), as well as the box’s weight & dimensions. Once your order is complete, we will send your firearm back to you via the address listed on your ID. You will be responsible for the cost of shipping both ways. We have shipping accounts with reduced rates, and we do not inflate the shipping cost.Â
The longer answer is:
- Firearms can only be shipped and received by a Federal Firearms License holder across state lines (18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(2)).
- The ATF requires Cerakote applicators working with firearms to hold valid manufacturer’s Federal Firearms Licenses. To verify if an applicator is properly licensed, you can use the ATF’s EZ Check system.
- Use plenty of padding material, and pack the firearm securely, so it does not get damaged during shipment.
- Use a sturdy box and plenty of tape on all seams.
- Include a copy of your valid driver’s license or FFL in the box. The firearm(s) can only be shipped back to the address listed on the ID, no PO boxes or variations.
- Include a copy of your order form, so we know what you’re wanting.
- DO NOT ship ammo in the same box as a firearm.Â
- DO NOT ship firearms without a signature requirement.Â
- DO NOT mark the outside of the box with anything that indicates there is a firearm inside the box.
- Record the serial number of the firearm for your records before shipping.
- Do not include anything you don’t want Cerakoted (slings, bags, cases, locks, extra magazines, manuals, etc).
