Ko Tonics

Ko-tonics has spent a quarter-century perfecting the art of firearm refinishing. They're an LCW Certified DuraCoat Finisher and Camo Expert operating out of Mebane, North Carolina, and they've built their reputation on doing one thing extremely well: applying durable, professional finishes that last.

Ko-tonics chose these two products after unsatisfactory experiences with competing finishes. Here's the difference:

• •DuraCoat has exceptional adherence to properly prepared surfaces. Once applied and cured for 21 days, it doesn't come off—the only removal method is heavy abrasive blasting. Parts finished with DuraCoat look just as good when passed on to the next generation.

• •Cerakote excels at abrasion resistance with an inorganic binder and ceramic compound that cures both chemically and in a specialized oven. It's the choice for high-wear areas like holster wear on handgun slides.

For shooters who want traditional aesthetics, Ko-tonics also applies DuraCoat Gun Blue—the same tough finish in a color that exactly matches hot salt bluing.

Ko-tonics doesn't cut corners. Every firearm goes through this:

1. Cleaning - Parts are carefully disassembled and soaked in specialized degreasers for 18-24 hours to strip every bit of oil and grease from surfaces and seams.

2. Surface Preparation - Parts are blasted with 120-grit aluminum oxide in an abrasive blasting cabinet, creating microscopic peaks and valleys. Steel parts are then Parkerized with zinc phosphate to create crystalline structures that lock the coating below the surface.

3. Mixing - This step stops most DIY finishers. Ko-tonics mixes coating and hardener in precise ratios. Even experienced gunsmiths make mistakes here.

4. Application - Top-of-the-line HVLP spray equipment (not cheap Chinese knock-offs) applies the finish smooth and even. A specialized firearms oven with three digital thermometers ensures proper curing.

"We want you to be absolutely satisfied with the quality and durability of the finish Ko-tonics has applied. We want to create firearms that will be gifts for your children and grandchildren."

• •AR-15 Assembly - Upper assembly, lower assembly, or complete upper/lower builds
• •FEG PA-63 Enhancement - Dehorn frame and magazine, install Wolff springs (recoil and trigger), smooth trigger/sear, square rear sight and paint front sight ($110 base, $130 with DuraCoat frame finish)
• •Parkerizing - Full in-house zinc phosphate parkerizing as a prep step or standalone service
• •FFL Transfers - Firearms can be received from licensed dealers
• •Hunter Camouflage Packages - Ko-tonics sells Bell and Carlson Creative Effects stocks in RealTree, Mossy Oak, and Trebark patterns and can coordinate metal refinishing for a complete matching setup
• •Stock Work - Glass bedding, inletting, free-floating
• •Optics and Knives - One-color and multi-color finishing available (call for pricing)

1. Call or email with details and photos of your firearm 2. Ko-tonics prepares an estimate and sends it back 3. Sign the estimate and ship your unloaded firearm (well-packed, insured, with tracking) 4. 50% deposit required to start; add 3% if paying by credit card 5. Ko-tonics notifies you when received and when finished 6. Balance due before return shipping 7. Don't apply solvents to the finish for 21 days after application

If DuraCoat or Cerakote applied by Ko-tonics is unsatisfactory under normal use, they'll refinish it at no charge. Your item goes to the head of the queue. (This doesn't cover color or aesthetic questions specified in the estimate.)

Ko-tonics 204 N 5th St, Suite I Mebane, NC 27302 Phone: 919-338-2469 Fax: 919-573-9399 Email: [email protected] Customer Service Hours: Monday–Friday, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM Eastern Time

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Ko-tonics is no longer accepting new customer orders, but this information is preserved for reference. The shop's 25-year track record in precision firearms finishing makes it a notable resource for understanding professional DuraCoat and Cerakote application standards.