Frequently Asked Questions · Blaine, MN
TRUE NORTH
SURFACE WORKS
Answers to the questions we hear most
Click any question to expand the answer. Still not sure? Reach us any time at [email protected] or through our contact page.
General
We are based in Blaine, Minnesota. Our address and hours are on our contact page. Work is generally by appointment or drop-off — reach out before stopping by so we can be ready for you.
Email us at [email protected] or use our contact page with a description of the parts and the finish you want. The price lists on this site are estimates for reference — your final quote depends on the specific parts, their condition, and the prep required.
Turnaround varies by service, workload, part condition, and color or material availability. We will give you an estimate when you drop off your parts. NFA firearm items are held during ATF processing and cannot be released until approval — see our FFL Transfer page.
Yes. Ask about our Military & Law Enforcement discount when you request a quote or drop off your parts.
Cerakote & Powder Coating
Cerakote is a thin-film ceramic coating that adds excellent abrasion, corrosion, and chemical resistance while keeping tight tolerances. It is available in H-Series, C-Series, V-Series, and Elite Series formulations. See our Cerakote price list for options.
Parts should arrive clean and detail-stripped. For firearms, a full detail strip is required for proper adhesion — you can bring parts 100% pre-stripped at no charge, or we can handle disassembly and reassembly for a fee that varies by platform. Customer-supplied parts must be clean prior to drop-off.
Cerakote is a thin ceramic finish ideal for firearms and precision parts where tolerances matter. Powder coating is a thicker, tough finish well suited to larger or non-precision parts and hardware. We offer both — see our Cerakote and Powder Coating pages, and we can help you choose.
Laser Engraving & Cleaning
We engrave firearms, tools, and a variety of parts and personal items — logos, text, serialization, and custom artwork. See our Laser Engraving price list for details.
Laser cleaning removes rust, coatings, and surface contamination without abrasive media or harsh chemicals, making it a great prep step or restoration option. See our Laser Cleaning price list.
FFL Transfers & Firearms FFL
Yes. We accept incoming firearm transfers and process the ATF Form 4473 and NICS background check. Same-day pickup is common once NICS clears. Transfer fees may be waived or reduced when paired with a Cerakote coating — see our FFL Transfer page.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, for handguns, your Minnesota Permit to Purchase or Permit to Carry. You must be legally eligible to receive a firearm under federal and Minnesota law. We reserve the right to decline any transfer at our discretion.
Yes. As a Class 2 SOT dealer we can source and transfer NFA items including suppressors, SBRs, and SBSs. NFA items are held in ATF-compliant secure storage during Form 4 processing and cannot be released until ATF approval. As of January 1, 2026, the tax stamp is $0 for suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and AOWs. See the FFL Transfer page.
Orders, Deposits & Policies
Some jobs require a deposit. For coating, laser, and powder work, deposits are refundable before prep or coating begins, but not once work has started. Custom firearm and NFA orders require a non-refundable deposit. Full details are on our Cancellation & Deposit Policy page.
Contact us as early as you can and we will do our best to accommodate you. See our Cancellation & Deposit Policy for what is refundable and how rescheduling works.
We collect only what we need to serve you and to meet our legal obligations as a licensed FFL, and we do not sell your personal information. See our Privacy Policy for the full details.
Didn't find your answer? Email us at [email protected] or reach out through our contact page, where our address and phone number are listed.