The problem isn't the ceracote as long as it's applied correctly. The issue is the substrate; the aluminum underneath. My sniper boy in 7075 (much harder aluminum) has been dropped in gravel, on concrete, on railroad ties (with steel spikes and rail) and mine is nearly unscathed. My 7068 (twice as hard as 7075 and 4 times harder than 6061) look like brand new. If I ever have an option for stronger/harder material I will always take it. I would love to see another shotgun video of the three metals just to show the difference in hardness. If you did visible damage to the 7068 I would be amazed. Bare in mind 7075 is triple the price of 6061 (stock) and 7068 is about ten times the cost of 6061 and very hard to find. I would spec bare minimum 7075 if it's to be cerakoted, but what do I know... I'm just the hammerhead that drills holes in stuff.
Hmm this gives me pause to reconsider whether I should cerakote my Mini. I'm getting it to use as a carry around mod (in a holster). But if it chips easily, I may be better off eschewing the paint and just have the Mini reptiled. Tom is prolly close to the painting stage so I'd better decide soon.