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Catalyst Mixing Calculator

Pick your coating, choose a ratio, and enter its weight to get the exact catalyst to add.

1

Coating

Type the name or code of the coating you’re using.

2

Mixing ratio

Lower numbers use more catalyst and give a shinier finish. Not sure? Use the recommended one.

Choose a coating to see its ratios.

3

Cerakote weight (g)

Weigh your coating first, before you add any catalyst.

g

Catalyst to add

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Total on scale

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Choose a coating and enter its weight to see your mix.

Why Mixing Ratio Matters

Catalyzed coatings cure through a chemical reaction between the base coating and its catalyst. Too little catalyst and the finish stays soft or tacky; too much and it can go brittle or cure unevenly. Weighing your mix by grams — rather than eyeballing volume — keeps every batch consistent from your first part to your last.

Understanding Your Ratio

Each coating line has a recommended mixing ratio. A lower ratio, such as 6:1, uses more catalyst compared with the amount of coating and will typically produce a higher-gloss finish. A higher ratio, such as 24:1, uses less catalyst and will generally produce a lower-gloss finish. The calculator shows the recommended ratios for your specific coating. If your application requires a ratio outside that range, you can enter a custom ratio directly.

Tips for Accurate Mixing
  • Use a gram scale rather than a volumetric measuring cup — weight-based ratios are far more accurate.
  • Zero out your scale with the empty mixing cup on it before adding your coating.
  • Mix thoroughly and let the batch sit briefly before spraying to allow it to fully activate.
  • Always confirm the recommended ratio on your coating's technical data sheet before your first production run.
Notes
  • DO NOT mix Cerakote and catalyst in plastic containers as this will compromise the integrity of the coating.
  • DO NOT exceed the recommended Cerakote to catalyst mixing ratios.
  • Mixing in glass graduated cylinders is recommended. A list of approved plastics is available in the Elite & H-Series and F Series Training Manuals.
  • Use only the recommended strainer size for each coating that is available on each Cerakote bottle and TDS.

To read more about Cerakote gloss levels, click here.