Who does parkerizing / phosphating ?

**oafpatroll** · 24-08-2016, 17:34

Thanks for the comprehensive reply Peter. My 75 thanks you!

**Meteor** · 24-08-2016, 19:02

Originally Posted by Kayback

No I understand that. I meant Meteor. I assumed this had to do with the .22 he was restoring. Parking is an OK finish (only had one gun parked) but for something to look after is seems anlittle.... porus. My 1911 had rust issues through the Parking with some mid summer EDC.

I am trying to buy an old rare gun from someone who was not afraid to use them for their intended purpose.
Though I am feeling a bit guilty about thinking to restore it I decided that it will be a keeper and 10 -20 years from now I will be glad I did it...if done right.
So from here on it's just original parts and spending more money than resale value then I'll be the owner of a very nice gun.

**Kayback** · 24-08-2016, 19:19

Ah that is a good reason. I was just curious why you didn't go with a more modern finish but if your idea is restoring it to original spec I get that. Thanks for the reply.

**Toxxyc** · 21-04-2026, 14:47

This is an old thread, but I'm hoping to get some info on here. I have an older model CZ 85 that needs to be protected again. The coating it has is, as far as I know, not blued. It is parkerized. I'd like to have it parkerized again. I like the look and feel of it, and it's supposed to be significantly cheaper than Cerakoting. I've seen a few Cerakoted carry/working guns (like mine is), and I'm not very impressed with the longevity of Cerakoting. The parkerizing on my handgun has lasted 31 years now, and it's only been really going downhill the past year. So let's say it lasted 30 years. Not bad.

But I can't find anyone who does parkerizing anymore. Peter Wells, do you still have a contact somewhere like above?

**Heath Robinson** · 21-04-2026, 18:05

Controlled Surface Treatments does Gunkote and a black phosphate finish if that helps?

**oafpatroll** · 21-04-2026, 19:24

Gunkote is excellent medicine.

**Toxxyc** · 22-04-2026, 09:39

I have experience with Gunkote on a CZ-75. After application, the pistol had a MILLION issues, from failure to go into battery, to slamfires and more. The gunkote also flaked off badly within a few weeks and rusted severely underneath. Yes, perhaps an application problem, but it really did leave a sour taste in my mouth. I'd still consider Cerakote, but it's DAMN pricy.

Thanks for that link, Heath. Black Phoshate is essentially the same thing as parkerizing. I'll give those guys a shout!

**oafpatroll** · 22-04-2026, 10:42

Originally Posted by Toxxyc

I have experience with Gunkote on a CZ-75. After application, the pistol had a MILLION issues, from failure to go into battery, to slamfires and more. The gunkote also flaked off badly within a few weeks and rusted severely underneath. Yes, perhaps an application problem, but it really did leave a sour taste in my mouth. I'd still consider Cerakote, but it's DAMN pricy.

Thanks for that link, Heath. Black Phoshate is essentially the same thing as parkerizing. I'll give those guys a shout!

None of the issues you describe have anything to do with the properties of Gunkote and everything to do with how it was applied. I've used the stuff myself on small car parts, knives and a gun and if you follow the instructions and aren't a poephol it works fabulously. Cerakote applied by a poephol doesn't work well either.

Re parking, it's ability to protect the gun from corrosion is largely dependant on it being soaked in oil so if you go that route its worth doing that yourself for 24 hours or so and being sure to apply a light oil periodically thereafter.

**Heath Robinson** · 23-04-2026, 05:24

Originally Posted by Toxxyc

Thanks for that link, Heath. Black Phoshate is essentially the same thing as parkerizing. I'll give those guys a shout!

Their black phosphate looks like a high-quality blueing job, but it seems more durable than other blueing jobs I have had done by gunsmiths. I have had it done to a couple of my rifles, and no issues yet but haven't had it done to a pistol or autoloader.

We use their gunkote at work for hard-wearing parts like hand-wheel screws. You must specify that they do all the preparatory steps.

**Toxxyc** · 23-04-2026, 09:04

Originally Posted by oafpatroll

None of the issues you describe have anything to do with the properties of Gunkote and everything to do with how it was applied. I've used the stuff myself on small car parts, knives and a gun and if you follow the instructions and aren't a poephol it works fabulously. Cerakote applied by a poephol doesn't work well either.

Re parking, it's ability to protect the gun from corrosion is largely dependant on it being soaked in oil so if you go that route its worth doing that yourself for 24 hours or so and being sure to apply a light oil periodically thereafter.

So you gunkote yourself? That sounds like an interesting prospect. How does that work? Where do you buy the paint/finish?