Bedding scope rail before or after Cerakote?

[The Harbor Master]

I just picked up a Tikka T3x Superlite in 7mm Rem Mag, and after reading about issues with surface rust on the stainless finish (coupled with not really caring for the stainless look), I will be getting the barreled action Cerakoted. I am also planning to bed my Area 419 scope rail once my Nightforce 2.5-10x42 arrives, but am wondering... should I bed the rail to the action, then have it all Cerakoted? Or get the action coated first, then bed rail onto Cerakote? My thought is that it wouldn't matter much, if at all, but figured I'd ask the experts here. Thanks!

 

[XLR]

Cerakote it then bed it. Like you said though it shouldn't really matter because they should not be changing any measurements when they cerakote it!

 

[The Harbor Master]

I appreciate the input, thanks!

 

[Harvey_NW]

I say post coat too, cerakote and Tikkas were made for each other. Kiwi clear shoe polish works great as a release agent, and I see lots of recommendations for Johnson's paste wax too. I also saw a lot of recommendations for Hornady One Shot and I was not impressed with the results. Good luck!

 

[Wrench]

It won't matter other than if you do it after you have a chance to remove it and maintain the finish.

Either way, it's not fun to pull the bedded parts.