Vermont Custom Armory, LLC.

VERMONT CUSTOM ARMORY, LLC designs and manufactures cutting edge solutions for Law Enforcement and Military as well as options for outdoors sporting. We utilize revolutionary technology and materials to produce one-of-a-kind products of many different types and purposes. We specialize in Pneumatic, Magnetics, and Kinetics. As such we needed a reliable provider of advanced chemistry and coating solutions for our products. We connected with Marcus and Modern Spartan/DutyKote originally in regard to their accuracy oil for our barrels and valves. We now use only Modern Spartan Systems chemistry and specialty coating products and recommend them in almost any application imaginable. DutyKote: We will be using this product line anywhere we need to apply coatings for looks or surface protection. We have experimented with several options and find this to provide multiple benefits. The increased coverage and thinner application make a little go a long way. Unlike other options it does not seem to overly effect the ductility of the underlying material, for example we have some parts that are intended to retain flexibility, DutyKote can accommodate the full range of movement without chipping or cracking. We are even experimenting with vehicular coating in engines and suspension systems. The combination of strength and ease of application makes it a winner in the shop. The quick cure time and ability to layer offer great promise for detailed applications and custom work.  The fact that you can pour it back into the bottle and save it is amazing.

Ermin F.

I have used DutyKote on my gun builds for a while now and can attest to it's incredible finish and durability. I have a few test samples sprayed on 6061 square tube that I use to show my friends and associates how durable it is. I can beat on them with all sorts of dense materials like hardwood, hard plastics, the polymer end of a gunsmithing hammer without chipping or marring the finish. I can try to dig my fingernails into it with no success. The only way I've found to chip or scratch it is dragging it across a steel bench vise. I highly recommend DutyKote to anyone looking for an extremely durable finish that is simple to apply and requires no baking to achieve that ultra hard finish.

DutyKote / Monster Tough vs. Cerakote

These elementary tests were conducted using a simple scratch application device, (refer to included pictures) at different stages in the curing process without the use of an oven for DutyKote/Monster Tough (air cure).  The Cerakote (oven cure) results using the same device were documented after the curing process was complete (more than 1 week) and using an oven.

Cerakote
Cured over 1 week after using an oven:
15.77 oz. = 15.77 oz.         No evidence detected
14.92 oz. = 30.69 oz.         No evidence detected
12.45 oz. = 43.14 oz.         Scratches that won’t rub off
14.67 oz. = 57.81 oz.         Scratches that won’t rub off
13.16 oz. = 70.97 oz.         Scratches that won’t rub off
13.51 oz. = 84.48 oz.         Scratches that won’t rub off

DutyKote / Monster Tough
Cured 1 day without the use of an oven
15.77 oz. = 15.77 oz.         No evidence detected
14.92 oz. = 30.69 oz.         No evidence detected
12.45 oz. = 43.14 oz.         No evidence detected
14.67 oz. = 57.81 oz.         Scratches that won’t rub off
13.16 oz. = 70.97 oz.         Scratches that won’t rub off
13.51 oz. = 84.48 oz.         Scratches that won’t rub off

DutyKote/Monster Tough
Cured 5 days without the use of an oven
15.77 oz. = 15.77 oz.         No evidence detected
14.92 oz. = 30.69 oz.         No evidence detected
12.45 oz. = 43.14 oz.         No evidence detected
14.67 oz. = 57.81 oz.         No evidence detected
13.16 oz. = 70.97 oz.         Scratches that won’t rub off
13.51 oz. = 84.48 oz.         Scratches that won’t rub off

After each test piece had cured for a period of 1 week and without the use of an oven, it took 4.34 lbs. of dead weight to create scratches that will not rub off, on the DutyKote/Monster Tough example.  Comparatively, after the Cerakote example had cured for a period of more than 1 week and after oven curing it only takes 2.69 lbs. of dead weight to create scratches that will not rub off.

While this testing was rather elementary and un-scientific in nature, I think it adequately demonstrates the several advantages with the use of DutyKote (Monstr Tough).   It should also be noted that while we have had a substantial amount of Cerakote work done at the current facility we have been using for well over a year and with satisfactory results, to my knowledge the techs at that facility have not had formal Cerakote training.

Our conclusion and position on DutyKote (Monster Tough) is that it is clearly a much more durable coating, and the process is a much simpler and easier to apply, not requiring the use of an oven or the need to be mixed with a catalyst.  Additionally, the DutyKote (Monster Tough) process cuts down on the amount of application time and effort, product waste, equipment clean up time, and a much shorter learning curve in order to become proficient with the products.

Except in very rare cases, we have discovered that we do not require the use of Acetone to prep prior to painting.  If you have ever had to use Acetone you already know how nasty that stuff can be.

Sidewinder Enterprises LLC
Geneva, Fl.

As a professional gun reviewer, subsistence hunter, and recreational shooter, my guns go through a lot.  They end up looking like something puked out of the arms room pretty quickly.

I usually end up giving them a "rattle-can refresh" from time to time, but I've never tried my hand applying the more advanced coatings until DutyKote arrived on the review bench.

I'm not an airbrush artist nor a house painter, so I was a little daunted by the idea of finishing a gun that would be seen by many in my initial review article and other articles those parts would show up in later.

My anxiety on the subject was wasted energy.  Setup and prep was pretty simple, applying the coating with a $15 Harbor Freight spray gun was a breeze, and the coating has held up to months of regular use without a single chip, flake, or crack.  Cleanup took just a minute or two, and I was able to save the unused portion of the paint.  The end result was marred only by my own lack of skill applying the coating, which a second coat remedied.

Call me a believer.

- Jens "Rex Nanorum" Hammer