When I purchased my Geissele Mk14 the only color available at the time was black. I really wanted DDC but alas, that didn’t happen. I was thinking of having the rail cerakoted in something close to DDC. I wanted to know how much something like this would cost and if somebody could give some recommendations on some reputable cerakoting services.
My local certified Cerakote applicator charges around $13 an inch for handguards. Customized work will vary the price.
Thanks. I’m thinking I’d probably just be better off selling the black rail and picking up a DDC. My handguard is 13". At $13 an inch I’d be paying over half of what a new handguard would cost.
Like this
Type 3 anodizing >>>>>>> Cerakote.
Try contacting Jason at Androcorp . They do god work and have solid pricing. I believe much cheaper than 13$ an inch and its quality. I think Right to Bear does it now as well No experience with their cerakote, but have placed many trouble free orders with them
Sell it and buy the color you want. You may take a 50 dollar hit but that’s still much better then trying to cerakote something and hoping you get a quality job. I would also prefer the factory finish unless you are trying to go for a complete custom job.
Ive used STS Arms in OR to FDE cerakote an AR-15 for me with outstanding results.
I’ve used Amelon Firearms in VA to cerakote a Kimber TLE-RL II with great results as well (it had been rattle-canned when I got it - before AND after pictures);
Both those jobs were done in 2009, and are holding up great. I’m now using our local folk here - Pittsburgh Cerakote - to refresh my beloved Springer 1911. I was able to drive it over there, and drop it off in person, which was a nice change of pace. Their work comes highly recommended by a number of customers around western PA, so I look forward to seeing it in on my pistol.
I took the nickel tour while there - they specialize in AR-15’s, and had a number of examples awaiting pick-up that I was able to inspect. From plain jane to extra-wild, I’m certain they could do right by you as well.
I used blown deadline for a receiver set and rail.
If youre going to bother wit the rail strip down the receiver set and send them out at the same time. Its worth it and looks awesome.
Good stuff
Cerakote’s official applicator list:
Unfortunately being on that list only means you were trained to do it right. It doesn’t mean you do it right. There are some well respected applicators that aren’t on the list.
That’s what I would do… Get another HG. As far as the $13 an inch price… Can you imagine how time consuming it is to properly prep and spray all of the nooks and crannies on a handguard? I am not defending his price but around here legitimate landscape contractors bill $60 per man hour.
Very solid point. I’ve seen work done by some on that list which were not well done in the least.
Warlock Custom - Keebler (his name) Cerakoted one AR with two separate uppers (one 5.56 and one 6.5 Grendel) in Kryptek Highlander for me. Pattern matches across the lower onto both uppers seamlessly. I can’t remember what he charges for a rail in one color but it is absolutely less than $13/inch. Their website is a little screwed up currently but just call or email and they will take care of you.
Sell it and buy what you want.
Righttobear offers this service on outbound items. I am kicking myself for not spending the extra $40 to get my 8” rail coated. Just didn’t want to lose the BCM lettering at the time. I email asking if I could send it back to be coated and it was a no go.
So if you are buying new and want a one stop shop, try RTB.
Funny thing is, my AR started, as a really NICE Noveske rail, that I bought cheap off a friend who needed the money. The rail looked SO good, I didn’t want to cerakote it!
So I got the REST of the rifle cerakoted - barrel included - and just put FDE ladders on the rails. Makes for a DIFFERENT sorta look. 
Custom Gun Coatings has done several things for me and his work is really good. He mostly does camo jobs for bolt guns but an upper, lower, or handguard is only $50.