The story behind the name, the shop, and the standard we hold every piece to.
I was born and raised in Lancaster, California, near Edwards Air Force Base. In 2004 I joined the U.S. Army and served with the 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, with a combat deployment to Ramadi, Iraq in 2005–06.
From 2007–2009 I served in the Indiana National Guard while attending college and working at a hospital in Bloomington, Indiana, alongside ROTC. Cerakote stayed the constant thread through all of it — long after the uniform, into years of civilian work and training others in close-quarters combat and long-range precision shooting.
What started as a personal fix for rattle-can paint jobs that couldn't hold up under real use turned into a certification, then a shop. Currahee Coatings was built to bring that same precision and discipline to every project that comes through the door.
This isn't a factory line — Mike is the owner and sole applicator, and personally handles every step of every project. Every job is done to NIC Industries/Cerakote specifications, and Currahee Coatings has been recognized as Cerakote's Customer Choice for the Raleigh/RTP area and 50+ miles out.
A homage to the unit I had the honor of serving with.
The mountain in Georgia where the 506th trained during WWII, and the unit's motto ever since — a reminder that the standard doesn't drop when no one's watching.
Always spoken as the second half of the phrase. On its own, precision means nothing — it's built alongside every customer who trusts us with their gear.
With the squad in Ramadi, Iraq, 2005–06.
Family first, when the shop's closed for the day.
Still logging miles outdoors whenever the schedule allows.
Served as a grunt with a combat deployment to Ramadi, Iraq in 2005–06.
Continued service in the Guard while attending college and working at a hospital in Bloomington, Indiana, alongside ROTC.
Frustrated by rattle-can finishes failing under real use, started coating personal firearms properly.
Started taking on non-FFL/SOT items — slides, triggers, optics, uppers, and other parts that didn't require a license to handle.
Earned Cerakote applicator certification.
Started serving the public as a licensed FFL07/SOT shop in Wendell, NC.
Ranked Cerakote's Customer Choice for the Raleigh, NC area and 50+ miles out.
No labor charge up front — you don't pay until you're 100% satisfied with the finished piece. The only exception is Cerakote product we have to special-order for your job.
Schedule An Appointment