DLC — Diamond-Like Carbon — is the hardest, most durable firearm finish available. It's not paint, it's not Cerakote, and it's not just an aesthetic upgrade. It's a carbon-based coating that fundamentally changes how your firearm wears, cycles, and holds up over time. Here's what it is, what it does, and where LPWS applies it.
What Is DLC?
DLC, or Diamond-Like Carbon, is a synthetic material engineered to mimic the properties of natural diamonds. Unlike traditional firearm finishes, DLC is composed of pure carbon applied at the molecular level — making it extraordinarily resistant to wear, friction, and corrosion. The result is a coating that performs far beyond anything paint or conventional surface treatments can deliver.
~2,000
Vickers Hardness (HV)
0.05–0.1
Friction Coefficient
Section 02
Performance Benefits
Five Reasons LPWS Specifies DLC
01
Enhanced Durability
DLC is one of the hardest coatings available for firearms — resistant to scratches, abrasion, and daily carry wear. Your finish will outlast conventional coatings by a significant margin, even in harsh field conditions.
02
Reduced Friction
DLC's ultra-low friction coefficient improves slide-to-frame movement, contributes to smoother cycling, and reduces the mechanical wear on internal contact surfaces over thousands of rounds.
03
Superior Corrosion Resistance
DLC is highly resistant to corrosion in humid, saltwater, and sweat-exposed environments. For carry guns that spend time against the body, this is a significant functional advantage over standard finishes.
04
Improved Lubricity
DLC naturally retains a thin lubricant layer on coated surfaces, reducing how often you need to oil the firearm. Simpler maintenance, longer intervals between cleanings, and consistent performance with less effort.
05
Tactical Aesthetics
DLC produces a deep, uniform matte black finish with no reflective surfaces. It's the finish that looks purpose-built — because it is. Available as a full All DLC or in combination with CrN on LPWS builds.
Section 03
Finish Comparison
DLC vs CrN — Which Is Right for Your Build?
LPWS offers builds in All DLC, CrN, and DLC/CrN combinations. Here's how they compare across the metrics that matter.
DLC — Diamond-Like Carbon
Hardness~2,000 HV
Friction0.05 – 0.1
Corrosion ResistanceExcellent
LubricitySelf-lubricating
FinishDeep matte black
Best ForCarry, duty, competition
CrN — Chromium Nitride
Hardness~1,750 HV
Friction0.15 – 0.3
Corrosion ResistanceVery Good
LubricityStandard
FinishSilver/grey tone
Best ForTwo-tone builds, display
Section 04
Where It's Applied
Where LPWS Applies DLC
DLC can be applied to virtually any component of the LPWS2011. These are the three primary application areas and why each matters.
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Slides & Frames
The primary wear surfaces of any 2011. DLC on the slide and frame dramatically extends finish life and improves the feel of every cycling motion.
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Barrels
DLC on the barrel reduces friction at the bushing and chamber interfaces, contributing to consistent lockup and smoother feeding across round counts.
DLC on LPWS Builds
All LPWS2011 builds are available in All DLC (full DLC coverage) and CrN/DLC combinations (two-tone finish). If you're building for carry or competition and want the hardest, most durable finish available, All DLC is the spec. Contact us to discuss finish options for your build.
Build Yours with DLC
Every LPWS2011 is available with full DLC or CrN/DLC finish options. Hand-built in Texas — spec it your way.
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