I have read mixed reviews on whether cerakote on an optic is safe. I have an older Leupold Mark 4 CQ/T that is rather beat up, and would like to possibly put a fresh finish on it. Has anyone done this, or have a strong opinion either way?
Indeed. As have I. I think theres still some spray on this one from years ago. Must be a 11B thing.While not cerakote @11B CIB rattle cans the crap out of everything, optics included, and does a very nice job of it as well.
I've done it with Cerakote C which doesn't have to be baked, but isn't as durable a finish. Honestly. I'd krylon it or leave it.
Yea, I think this is the route I am going to take. A fresh light coat of black should cover the corner chunks and such.
Let me throw another couple of ideas your way.
Birchwood Casey's aluminum black. It's a chemical agent that blackens aluminum and can be applied with a qtip to places where the finish is stripped.
or,
A sharpie.... Don't laugh, it works, and is easy and cheap to touch up when needed.
Oh man, I had the sharpie idea this morning. Passed it up though, I thought it would leave that odd tint that you usually see. Honestly, I think I am just going to leave it be. I have never been the type to really care about that sort of thing, as I usually beat/use the crap out of my stuff. The more I look at it, the more I am OK with leaving it scuffed up.