Critical Koting Cerakote

Critical Koting, formed in 2014 by Sterling Arsenal, is an NIC Cerakote Factory Trained and Certified Applicator serving Northern Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and the DC Metro area. Located in Sterling, VA—convenient to Dulles Airport and surrounding communities—they handle custom firearm coatings and comprehensive gunsmithing services for individual shooters, dealers, and OEM production customers.

Critical Koting's service menu spans the full spectrum of professional firearm finishing and modification:

• •Custom color selections across the entire Cerakote spectrum
• •Media blast and chemical surface preparation
• •Stencil graphics, camouflage patterns, color infill, distressing, and battle-worn finishes
• •Airbrush application techniques
• •CNC machine and laser engraving with custom fonts and graphics

• •Professional disassembly and refitting
• •Barrel chambering, head spacing, cutting, contouring, threading, and crowning
• •NFA (Class 3) firearm modifications, engraving, and repairs
• •Milling, fabrication, and forming—slide serrations, RMR optic cuts, stippling
• •TIG welding and pinning for muzzle brakes, mounts, receivers, and trunions
• •Trigger work and custom fitting
• •Sight installation, dovetail milling, and staking
• •Scope mounting and sighting (laser bore and live-fire)
• •Stock modification, bedding, and resizing
• •Classic firearm restoration

• •Laser engraving and marking
• •Detachable box magazine in-letting

Service Area: Dulles, Loudoun, Great Falls, Herndon, Ashburn, Aldie, Middleburg, Culpeper, Leesburg, Purcellville, Winchester, Warrenton, Lovettsville, Gaithersburg, Frederick, Hagerstown, McLean, Falls Church, Arlington, Alexandria, Langley, Potomac, Rockville, Bethesda, Baltimore, Vienna, Reston, Chantilly, Centreville, Fair Oaks, and Prince William.

Sterling Arsenal was established in 2010 as an NFA production manufacturer and custom shop in Northern Virginia. In February 2014, they launched Critical Koting as a dedicated Cerakote service brand, leveraging Sterling Arsenal's professional gunsmith, armorer, and coating expertise.

The shop operates with full-service capabilities onsite—from disassembly and prep work through final coating and armorer modifications. This integrated approach means they handle start-to-finish projects without outsourcing.

Critical Koting warranties the application of Cerakote materials such that the finished coating meets the manufacturer's SDS Specifications. Any defective application will be re-applied at no charge, subject to their production schedule.

Important: Components made from soft polymers, electronics, optics, flashlights, and malleable plastic parts may be damaged during the chemical preparation, coating, or heat curing process. The applicator uses best judgment to avoid coating susceptible components but assumes no liability for damage.

Blended product applications (custom color mixes) are not covered under warranty.

Critical Koting actively works with firearms dealers and OEM manufacturers. Contact them for volume pricing and production timelines.