TGB Customs (The Gun Boutique Customs)
TGB Customs (The Gun Boutique Customs) is a triple-certified Cerakote applicator located at 17843 SE McLoughlin Blvd., Suite 4, in Milwaukie, Oregon. They specialize in custom firearm refinishing using ceramic-based coatings that outperform traditional bluing, anodizing, and other finishes. Bluing i...
Own TGB Customs (The Gun Boutique Customs)?
01 // DETAILS
Business Details
Full description and what we offer
Cerakote Finishing in Milwaukie, Oregon
TGB Customs (The Gun Boutique Customs) is a triple-certified Cerakote applicator located at 17843 SE McLoughlin Blvd., Suite 4, in Milwaukie, Oregon. They specialize in custom firearm refinishing using ceramic-based coatings that outperform traditional bluing, anodizing, and other finishes.
Why Cerakote Over Bluing?
Bluing is essentially controlled rust. Cerakote doesn't rust and ranks as the single most corrosion-resistant finish on the market—no oil required. For heirloom firearms or worn-down pieces, Cerakote breathes new life into them. Elite Midnight color delivers the old-school dark bluing look and works perfectly on black powder firearms.
What They Coat
- •AR & AK platforms (uppers, lowers, handguards, barrels, stocks, BCGs)
- •Shotguns (receivers, barrels, stocks, forends)
- •Semi-auto handguns (slides, frames, barrels, controls)
- •Bolt-action rifles (complete rifles, barreled actions, stocks)
- •Accessories (magazines, rail mounts, small parts batches)
- •80% projects (accepted only when fully stripped; no gunsmithing or fitting work)
The Process
Every project starts with a free one-on-one consultation and estimate. You'll meet directly with one of the applicators, not a sales rep.
1. Complete disassembly — Every pin, nut, screw, and spring comes apart 2. Brake clean soak — 1 hour to remove oil, grease, dirt 3. Thermal conditioning — 300° oven for 1 hour to sweat out embedded oils (repeated until clean) 4. Sandblasting — Fine aluminum oxide media removes all existing coatings and creates a clean surface for adhesion 5. Spray application — Cerakote H-Series (oven-cure) or C-Series (air-cure for heat-sensitive parts) applied in their automotive-style spray booth 6. Stenciling (if needed) — In-house custom stencils create crisp lines for camo patterns, flags, themes 7. Curing & cooling — Oven cure or 4-5 day air cure depending on product 8. Quality inspection — Parts checked for coating thickness, appearance, and feel. Failed parts restart from step 5 9. Reassembly & function check — Complete disassembly/reassembly labor included
Leave it disassembled: Bring your firearm fully broken down to save on labor charges. Some front sights factory-tight and easily broken during removal—partially disassembled projects cost more.
Pricing Structure
| Firearm Type | One Color | Multi-Color Add |
|---|---|---|
| AR/AK Complete | $400 | +$50 ea color |
| AR 3-Piece Set | $240 | +$50 ea color |
| AR Barrel | $135 (standard) / $135 (fluted) | +$50 ea color |
| Shotgun Complete | $375 | +$50 ea color |
| Handgun Complete | $275 | +$50 ea color |
| Handgun Slide/Frame | $100 | +$50 ea color |
| Bolt Action Complete | $450 | +$50 ea color |
| Shop Minimum | $200 | — |
- •Elite Camo Upgrades (popular patterns):
- •Woodland or Tiger Stripe: $450 (AR/shotgun), $375 (handgun), $400 (bolt action)
- •MultiCam, Kuiu, Kryptek: $600 (AR), $550 (shotgun), $425 (handgun), $500 (bolt action)
- •American Flag themes: $400 (AR/shotgun), $300 (handgun), $350 (bolt action)
- •Drake Old School Camo: $550 (shotgun)
- •Custom Additions:
- •Basic stencil patterns: $25 each
- •Advanced stencil patterns: $50+ each
- •Color fills (basic): $25 each
- •Color fills (advanced): $50+ each
- •Distress/battleworn effect: $20 per part
- •Disassembly/reassembly labor: $50–$75
- •Non-stock Cerakote colors: +$35
- •Gun Candy surcharge: applies to specialty finishes
Stock Material Matters: Fiberglass and carbon fiber don't play well with oven curing. TGB typically refuses these unless the customer understands the risk and accepts liability for damage.
Lead Times & Rush Service
Standard lead time is 4-6 weeks for most design projects (timing begins after shop receipt). Themed builds and non-disassembled firearms can take 6-8 weeks or longer depending on complexity.
Expedited service available:
- •7–14 day service: +25%
- •5–6 day service: +50%
- •3–4 day service: +100%
No next-day services. Contact them to check availability—some seasons don't allow rush work.
Color Selection
With over 100 colors in stock, nearly any finish is achievable. Custom color mixing available upon request. Color matching caveat: Even mixing the same color twice can yield slight variations. Coat all parts of a project simultaneously for consistency.
Things to Know
- •Open by appointment only — Call (503) 479-7475 to book
- •Not a gunsmith shop — They're certified Cerakoters, not gunsmiths. They partner with certified gunsmiths for work outside their scope
- •No transfers — Unless for a Cerakote project
- •Markings lost in cleaning — Painted or lightly laser-etched markings disappear during surface prep. Machine-engraved or stamped markings can be masked but won't blend perfectly. Serial numbers masked free when needed
- •Tight parts break sometimes — Factory front sights on some firearms are non-reusable or so tight they break during removal. Bring it fully disassembled to avoid this risk
- •3-day cure time — Don't use the firearm for ~3 days after coating; Cerakote needs time to fully harden
- •Returned dry — Oil/lube your firearm before use
- •Cash preferred — 3% fee added for debit/credit card charges
- •No Chinese knockoffs — They won't coat questionable aftermarket parts with incorrect specs; they won't be blamed for poor function
Shipping Your Project
- •Important: Contact TGB with your tracking number before shipping or your package may not be accepted. Shop is appointment-only.
Firearm shipping:
- •Use UPS (not USPS for handguns unless FFL holder)
- •Include copy of state-issued ID (citizen) or FFL (dealer)
- •Unload all chambers and magazines
- •No ammunition in the box
- •Federal, state, and local laws apply
All items:
- •Include your name, address, phone, email, detailed work description
- •Ship to: TGB Customs, 17843 SE McLoughlin Blvd., Suite 4, Milwaukie, OR 97267
- •Make checks payable to: TGB Customs
Once received, TGB writes a work order, emails it for approval, and starts your project.
Notable Projects
Their portfolio includes: - Smith & Wesson Bodyguard (Distressed Gold & Black Cat) - Oregunian AR9 (Stormtrooper Blaster theme) - AR-15 builds (Deadpool theme, Winter Trucker Girl camo, pink/blue/purple Kryptek) - Glock 22 (Thin Blue Line theme) - FN 509 (Death Stroke theme) - Glock 17 (AC/DC themed) - Beretta 390 Shotgun (Drake Old School camo) - .22 Revolver (Satin Mag & Burnt Bronze) - 1911 frames, Springfield Armory XDm Elite, Primary Weapons System MK1, and custom builds across virtually every platform.
"The work and finish was just pristine." — Corey Piazza, after a last-minute 1911 Ronin EMP recoat
"Never rushed, and the work was meticulously and masterfully completed beyond my expectations!" — Shaun Lowry, after 12+ AR-15 builds with TGB
"They take great pride in what they do. So easy to work with, friendly, professional." — Millie
About the Shop
TGB Customs is a small family business partnered with Cerakote since 2011 as an official certified applicator. They built their third Cerakote shop from the ground up, investing in a fully enclosed automotive-style spray booth to minimize contamination. They prioritize equipment quality over cost-cutting because customer projects deserve the best finish.
Booked by appointment, direct contact with your applicator is standard—you're not talking to a middleman. They rely on referrals from satisfied customers to stay operational and take that responsibility seriously.