I am just beginning to cerakote, haven’t even done my first item yet, and I am trying to figure out what I all need to buy. I’ve looked everywhere for what people use for degreasing tanks and no one mentions anything. Cerakote maintains that it should not be plastic so that there are no contaminants when soaking, but I can’t justify spending $500 on a soaking tank. So my question is, what is a good affordable option to use?

 I will be using simple green as a degreaser.

I have heard of using a rubber made tote, but would this not create contaminates the same as plastic?

Look on Facebook for a aluminum or stainless tank, barrel, etc and cut it in half. I have several 150 gallon aluminum diesel truck fuel tanks that are approx 6’ long x 20” deep  I got for $50 each at a scrap place. Or a stainless steel herbicide tank, Iv seen those cheap too. I just looked and found several 100 gallon / 150 gallon tanks for $100.00.

Same goes for galvanized barrels, tanks, feeders, troughs, etc.

It doesn't have to be high tech. I like using buffet steaming/warming trays (like hotels, or restaurants use). You can find them with lids, too.

Also, I would avoid Simple Green. It's a great product on it's own, but you really need to be soaking parts in acetone for best results. Prep is everything.

Amazon link

A bare AR upper receiver, and a bare lower receiver will fit inside a one gallon paint can filled with acetone, with the lid firmly installed. A rifle buffer tube also fits, but there isn't room in the can for all three at once.

You can use a length of copper, aluminum, or mild steel tubing with a permanent cap on one end (soldered), and a slip on cap on the other open end. You need to determine the diameter and lengths to fit your individual needs.