A Simple List Of Coatings And Finishes For Different Red Dot Mount Materials

Introduction: Optimizing Your Red Dot Mount with Coatings and Finishes

Coatings and finishes play a pivotal role in enhancing the functionality and longevity of red dot mounts. This guide explores the significance of these surface treatments in maximizing the performance of different mount materials. All OuterImpact mounts are precision machined from aircraft grade billet 7075 aluminum and backed by a Lifetime Warranty. We prefer the rigidity and light weight of aluminum but do want customers to consider all possible options. Our mounts are hard coat anodized to resist all weathering.

Colored MRA Red Dot Mount

1. Importance of Coatings and Finishes

Protective Layers for Longevity

Coatings and finishes serve as protective layers for red dot mounts, safeguarding against environmental factors, abrasion, and corrosion, thereby prolonging their lifespan.

2. Common Coating Types

Anodizing, Cerakote, PVD, DLC

Anodizing forms a durable oxide layer on aluminum mounts, enhancing corrosion resistance. OuterImpact uses hard coat anodizing for red dot mounts and Type III hard coat anodizing for our rails. Cerakote offers a range of colors and improves abrasion resistance. PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) and DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coatings provide extreme hardness and low friction.

3. Durability Enhancement

Impact of Coating on Material Durability

These coatings significantly enhance the durability of red dot mounts, ensuring they withstand harsh conditions, heavy use, and recoil forces, thereby prolonging their service life.

4. Friction Reduction

Improving Performance and Precision

Certain coatings, such as DLC and PVD, reduce friction, resulting in smoother adjustments and better precision while aiming, positively impacting the overall shooting experience.

5. Corrosion Resistance

Protecting Against Environmental Factors

Coatings act as barriers, shielding the mount from moisture, chemicals, and other environmental factors that could cause corrosion, ensuring consistent performance in various conditions.

6. Selection Considerations

Matching Coating to Material

Consider the mount material and shooting application when choosing coatings. Anodizing suits aluminum mounts, while PVD or DLC coatings are suitable for steel mounts.

7. Aesthetics and Customization

Color Options and Personalization

Cerakote coatings offer a variety of color options, allowing for customization and personalization of the mount’s appearance, which might be appealing to some users.

MP02 MRA Red Dot Mount

Conclusion: Enhancing Red Dot Mount Performance

Coatings and finishes are integral in augmenting the performance and durability of red dot mounts. By understanding their significance and selecting the appropriate coatings based on the mount material and shooting requirements, users can significantly enhance the longevity and functionality of their mounts, ensuring optimal performance in various shooting scenarios.

Disclaimer: When choosing coatings and finishes for red dot mounts, consider the material, intended use, and personal preferences to make an informed decision.


This article aims to provide insights into the importance of coatings and finishes for red dot mounts, aiding readers in understanding how these treatments can enhance durability, reduce friction, and protect against corrosion, thereby optimizing the performance of their red dot mounts. You can read more of our red dot series here.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top