So I've made my tour and received an education on aluminum coatings. I'll briefly mention them and when I'm back in town (next Tudesday) I'll pontificate about the advantages and disadvantages of them. Until then - a reading assignment -
https://www.saf.com/how-to-specify/how-to-decide-between-anodizing-painting-and-powder-coating/ First anodizing - I didn't make it there because I spent to much time at the cerakote place. I've talked to theanodizer on the phone, sent them pictures, asked questions, and found out their base colors - clear, black, red, blue, pewter, violet, green, gold - there is no color change charge associated with these but until I have or see samples I can't tell you how they look. There is a good chance they will be reasonable and they have a reputation of putting out a good product. We will see what they tell me and I'll try to see them next Friday.
Second - the cerakote place. I was impressed. So much so they have one of my keyboards to cerakote and in a week or so we will know what cerakote looks like on a keyboard.
http://www.cerakoteguncoatings.com/finishes/ These are the colors that are available and you can read about cerakote on that site. Apparently there is a two week course in Oregon that you take in order to be "certified" in the application of cerakote. This is a small shop and he is willing to work with us on this. He can use a base color and fill in the engraving of the "Mira" with a different color. In reference to MythicalWagu's post the cost is less than coating a gun (remember they have to disassemble the gun, coat all the pieces, and reassemble it). It is durable, only 1 - 3 millionths of an inch thick,normally doesn't chip and is scratch resistant.
Third - powder coating. I saw them last Thursday and was not impressed by that shop. It will work, you can get a good product, but I won't give that place our business. There are a few others I will check out and get back to everyone on. In closing I found this site -
http://www.prismaticpowders.com - which is an interesting variation on powder coating that is close by. I'm going to see one of their "certified applicators" when I return from my trip.
In closing there are some good options, and if we stick with basic colors they will be reasonable. Cerakote seems like it will give a great product and we'll know more after I get my board back. The basic anodizing colors would give us some unique boards but we need to see samples before we make that leap and see a price. Powder coating has been done in the past and looks good.Powder coating using the prismatic colors would truly produce some unique results. As soon as I know more you will.