RTF3TX Gunsmithing, a San Antonio gunsmith shop led by Master Gunsmith Roland Lamothe, has expanded its services to include custom pistol stippling, frame modifications and premium Cerakote finishes. The shop also said traditional small-part hot caustic bluing will be available in the near future, adding capabilities for owners of both modern and vintage firearms.

The service expansion is intended to pair modern finishing methods with traditional gunsmithing practices, giving firearm owners additional options for functional and cosmetic improvements. Custom pistol stippling involves texturing polymer frames to improve grip retention. The modification is permanent and can directly affect how a firearm handles, making planning and execution important before any frame material is removed or reshaped.

Lamothe, who brings military service experience and formal Master Gunsmith credentials to the work, uses controlled heat and a steady technique for polymer-frame projects. Precision is important in stippling and frame work because inconsistent texture or heat application can affect both the appearance and function of the firearm.

RTF3TX Gunsmithing is also offering premium Cerakote finishes. Cerakote is a polymer-ceramic coating designed to resist corrosion, wear and chemical exposure. It is widely used in custom firearm builds and factory production because of its durability and available color options. Lamothe’s application process emphasizes surface preparation, coating thickness and curing conditions, according to the shop’s description of the expanded service menu.

The planned hot caustic bluing service is aimed particularly at owners of vintage or collector-grade firearms. The process requires immersing steel components in a heated solution of potassium nitrate and sodium hydroxide. That treatment produces a controlled oxidation layer that helps protect against rust and creates a deep blue-black appearance.

When properly performed, hot caustic bluing can closely replicate original factory bluing, making it a preferred method for certain restoration projects. For owners comparing finish options, the choice between a traditional blued surface and a modern coating such as Cerakote can depend on the firearm’s age, materials, intended use and restoration goals. By adding the service, RTF3TX Gunsmithing is seeking to serve firearm owners who want traditional finishes rather than synthetic coatings.

The expansion highlights the shop’s focus on maintaining traditional craft methods while also offering contemporary firearm finishing techniques. For firearm owners in the San Antonio area, the planned availability of hot caustic bluing adds a factory-grade restoration option alongside newer services such as stippling and Cerakote. Lamothe’s military background and formal training provide the technical foundation for the precision processes involved in the expanded service lineup.