Cerakote Finish Options for AR-15 Rifles: A New Resource Released by Beal Rifle Company

Beal Rifle Company, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business in Fort Worth, has introduced a comprehensive resource designed to help firearm owners and custom AR enthusiasts better understand Cerakote finish options for AR-15 rifles. The guide breaks down color selection, durability data, and application standards commonly used in custom rifle work.

Technical Insights from Custom AR Builders

The newly released guide includes ASTM B117 laboratory testing results showing that the Cerakote Elite Series survived more than 3,000 hours in salt spray corrosion testing. This accelerated corrosion process mimics decades of exposure to harsh environments. According to custom AR builders, the Elite Series also outperformed many competing finishes in abrasion trials, lasting nearly twice as long thanks to its polymer-ceramic composition.

Popular Cerakote Colors for Custom AR Builds

Earth-tone coatings—Flat Dark Earth, OD Green, and Coyote Tan—remain the most requested choices. These finishes offer natural camouflage and a clean, professional appearance suited for a wide range of outdoor environments. Tactical blacks and grays, including the widely preferred Graphite Black with its 9H hardness rating, continue to dominate urban and defensive use builds.

Professional Coating Standards and Application

Beal Rifle Company emphasizes that proper surface preparation is the foundation of a long-lasting Cerakote finish. Components undergo complete stripping, degreasing, and media blasting to ensure optimal adhesion. Certified applicators then manage uniform spray coverage and curing using controlled-environment equipment. This process typically adds several days to custom AR build services but ensures long-term reliability.

Choosing the Right Color for Your Environment

The guide also highlights how operating environments influence color selection. Desert users often prefer tan-based coatings, while woodland applications lean toward deeper greens and browns. For urban settings, darker colors and grayscale Cerakote finishes remain common. The guide notes that lighter shades can make carbon buildup easier to spot, while darker shades may show fingerprints and handling marks more readily.

FAQ: What Customers Often Ask

Beal Rifle Company addresses many of the most frequent customer questions, including timelines for curing, whether color changes require stripping the previous finish, how proper masking prevents accuracy issues, and what cleaning methods work best for long-term finish care. The guide also explains cost differences between specialty patterns and standard Cerakote colors.

Veteran-Owned Business Maintaining High Standards

With decades of military and professional experience, Beal Rifle Company continues to maintain strict quality control for every rifle that enters its Fort Worth shop. The team operates dedicated blast booths and prep stations to ensure consistent results across all custom AR rifle projects. Each completed rifle includes a limited lifetime warranty that covers both workmanship and Cerakote application.

Hands-On Assistance for Customers

Customers are welcome to visit the facility to compare Cerakote samples under different lighting conditions or review available custom AR options before placing an order. The company also partners with organizations such as 10-7 Outdoors and Darby’s Warrior Support, reflecting its ongoing commitment to supporting the military and law enforcement communities.

For additional details on Cerakote color options or custom AR build requirements, contact Beal Rifle Company at info@bealrifleco.com or (817) 888-3000.