refinish polycoat

[dominic135]

Can anyone give me a cost approximation for glass beading and poly-coating an old CZ75? Are there better coatings?

[DarkLord]

I've seen prices from $120.00-$300.  I have a preference for Duracoat, and many claim Cerakote is better but I can't see a plug nickel's difference between Dura and Cera.  I charge my customers $200 to refinish a handgun (sometimes cheaper).  I know my prices are on the high side, but I'm not a full time coating operation, so I'm not "optimized" like some of those outfits are for refinishing a high volume of guns.  A proper finish takes time, and honestly it's not a job I enjoy doing.  Since I don't much like coating (or much any other finish work), I figure I might as well at the very least make it profitable for me.  And I do my best to make sure my customer gets a top quality finish. 

But I've found Duracoat (and Cerakote too) to be superior to most poly-coat spray on finishes.  I don't make outlandish claims that it's "the best" finish, or tougher than anything in existence.  What I tell people is, you won't find a higher quality, tougher finish for the same or lower cost anywhere.  Duracoat gives a lot of value for the dollar.  It's a good looking finish, it resists wear very well, it's good against most chemicals you're likely to encounter, it's very good for resisting rust; and applying the finish doesn't break the bank.  For the money you spend, it's an excellent finish. 

[dominic135]

Thank you. That was very helpful. I've been looking at surplus CZ's and wondering what it would take to make them look good. I imagine dura-coat would hide some blemishes and even very minor pitting.

[olfarhors]

I have a couple  weapons that are cera -Coated and they have been very , very good finishes so far.
 Both weapons were in need of finishing due to age and wear and  Cera -Coating was cheaper than re-bluing.
 when properly done Cera-coat is a very thin flat tough finish and you can read (and see) any markings on the weapon such as caliber, serial number, etc.  the weapon needs to be prepared well before coating unless you want any  blemishes to transmit through, to me a much better looking final product than Dura finish and tougher as well.
I think I paid about 125 bucks for each weapon, that's 2 colors on each and on 1911's.

[exit plan]

Ron MAHOLSKI'S Metallife is a great finish but the color is a little off putting to some. I not sure if I spelled his name right. I had him do a Jericho 941 years ago and was very satisfied. Cheap as well, then i put a springco in it just to irritate parabellum