if you do go Cerakote, don't go "matte" black. It is very rough and shows every scratch and dust sticks to it. Go with "satin" or some other color completely. I am in love with the Tungsten color, but don't have anything done in that color yet.
I use the H-146 graphite black by the gallon. Never any complaints with scratching or dust. All the H series Cerakote colors are the same in scratch resistance. I have a hand full of tools we coated and some cull barrels for people to beat on and they are incredibly tough. As long as you don't actually gouge out metal it is very hard to even leave a mark.
Sounds like the prep was done too rough and this will cause exactly what you are describing. Properly applied Cerakote is .0005" to .001" max and is the toughest of the coatings available. I can't stress the importance of using factory Certified applicators.
