We are all about Ceramic Coatings, but that doesn't mean we only review products that protect the paint on your car!
Today we have a product that is used to restore faded plastic trims back to a like-new condition and appearance. And not only for a couple of weeks or until the next wash, as it is with most products that are created for the same purpose.
Oh no, no, no.
It will last up to 200 washes or about 2 years!
Bold claims, but can Cerakote Ceramic Trim Coat Kit back them? We have bought it, and we have tested it!
Contents:
What is Cerakote Ceramic Trim Coat Plastic Trim Restorer?
How to prepare the surface for CERAKOTE Ceramic Trim Coat?
How to use the CERAKOTE Coating?
How did CERAKOTE Ceramic Trim Coat Kit perform in the durability test?
(Video) CERAKOTE CERAMIC TRIM COAT - Application VideoFinal thoughts on CERAKOTE Ceramic Coating?
Just to clarify - we are not sponsored by Cerakote or any other manufacturer of Paint Protection products, and we will test and review the product as it is in real-world conditions. We will follow the manufacturer's instructions during the application process, and we will prepare the surface to ensure the best finish and best adhesion possible. We are leaving an affiliate link to all our review products, but in case the product turns out to be of low quality or not as all as advertised, we leave a warning to all our readers, and the quality of the product will always be reflected in the grade we assign to it at the end of every review. So if you do not want to sit through all of this text, you can scroll down to the Average Grade and read our Final Thoughts to get a general idea of what the product is all about.
Let us check CERAKOTE Ceramic Trim Coat Kit - Quick Plastic Trim Restorer out!
Get your CERAKOTE Ceramic Trim Coat Kit on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3kGPblv
What is Cerakote Ceramic Trim Coat Plastic Trim Restorer?
Ok, now let us see what this product is all about. It is namely created to restore the plastic trim to its original condition using a ceramic-based solution. In this packaging, you will get 10 separately packaged white wipes that are soaked in the CERAKOTE Ceramic Trim Coat. You also get a pair of disposable latex gloves.
The whole idea is to put on the gloves because you do not want the solution sticking onto your fingers and use a wipe until it is used up, at which point you take another wipe and continue where you left off.
There is also a Cerakote PRO packaging with 50 wipes instead of 10. Now, unless you have a detailing or paint protection shop or have like 5 cars lying around, you won't need the 50 wipes. But it is still good value nonetheless!
How to prepare the surface for CERAKOTE Ceramic Trim Coat?
The surface needs to be cleaned of all dirt and contaminants. After that, it needs to be cleaned of all grease or oils. They suggest dish soap which is ok if you are using CERAKOTE as a DIY project. But if you have some, or if you are a professional, we would suggest using a dedicated automotive degreaser. It does the job just a little bit better and it is less harmful to the materials on your car. The idea is to remove all grease and or oils to get a completely clean surface to ensure a good bond.
The product is not compatible with grease or water. Dirt will prevent it from coating those areas fully, so it should be removed.
Read our article on how to prepare the surface of a car for ceramic coating.
It doesn't matter how far gone the plastic you will be coating is. Actually, the worse it currently is, the more surprised you will be in the end with the result.
Hint: We have already used it, so we would know!
After the surface has been thoroughly cleaned, we also recommend you clean any excess water that might be trapped in or around the panels you will be working on. If you have an air compressor, that will do wonders for you. But if not, then just make sure that you get all the water with a microfiber towel. You do not want to introduce any water or moisture to the product until it has cured, and that will be around 1 hour after application.
How to use the CERAKOTE Coating?
So, to summarize the instructions:
clean surface
degrease surface
dry surface
use only on plastic surfaces
avoid water or moisture until cured
do not work in direct sunlight
the plastic surface must be cool to the touch
use provided gloves
use a wipe until it is used up, then take another if needed
only one coat is required; two coats if the plastic is in horrible condition
We have used the product in a well-ventilated garage with a regulated temperature. But if you are working outside, just keep in mind what the weather will be like in the next hour.
You might want to avoid wind as well, as it might damage the coating before it has cured, leaving an ugly finish. Make sure the plastic is cool to the touch before you use CERAKOTE Ceramic Trim Coat Kit on it. That is also very important according to the manufacturer.Hint: While ceramic coatings are able to resist higher temperatures quite effectively, that refers to a coating that has fully cured on top of a surface. If you want the coating to bond with the surface and fully and properly cure, you'll have to ensure the surface is prepared and the application is made under the right conditions.
This product is meant to be used on plastic surfaces only. If you touch the car's paint by accident or another type of material, then just wipe it off with a clean microfiber towel before you continue working. What you can also do is use masking tape to prevent overflow onto other panels.
We are now ready to start! Put on the gloves they've provided in the kit and open one of the pouches containing the ceramic coating wipes. Pick one plastic panel to start with and start applying it in the same direction consistently to ensure the best coverage and an even streak-free finish.
As you coat the plastic, it will immediately darken and get a nice shine, making it look new. Make sure you have covered all the plastic, even the hard-to-reach edges, because one coat is all you really need. So to avoid redoes or another touch-up job, we recommend doing it right on the first run. Once all the plastic has been coated with CERAKOTE Ceramic Trim Coat, you do not need to buff it off, but instead, just leave it alone as it is for the next hour so it can cure and bond to the plastic.
After one hour, that's it! The plastic is supposed to remain in the condition it currently is for the next 200 washes or up to 2 years on average. We will not test the 200 washes or the 2 years, obviously. But what we can do is a series of tests to see how it would perform compared to similar products that are meant to be used as plastic trim restorers.
How did CERAKOTE Ceramic Trim Coat Kit perform in the durability test?
What we did was use dish soap, brake cleaner fluid, a degreaser, and regular car shampoo on the treated areas once at first, then after the run, we performed the test another time. We drove the vehicle on a dirt road to see how the rocks, dust and chips, and scratches would affect the refreshed plastic. And finally, we took the car and left it outside in the sun for a week and came back to see the results then. We gave it another go with a degreaser and regular car shampoo to get a final idea.
Check out how we torture test and review car detailing products.
And, oh boy, do we have some results! Even though we specialize in Ceramic Coating, plastic trim restorer products are no strangers to us. And how they usually perform, some better, some worse, is that you apply them, and after a wash or a few washes, they are gone, and the plastic is back to its dull old look.
Not CERAKOTE Ceramic Trim Coat Kit!
After all the above, we wrote. The plastic still looked the same as when applied. No changes whatsoever. IT didn't lose any of its hydrophobic properties or shine or that deep revitalized pigment it gave the plastic once it was used. We are extremely impressed with this product!
The price point is well above other plastic trim restorers, and the quantity you get for the price is much, much less than what you would get by buying a full bottle of another product that you would pay significantly less for. But that just doesn't matter. The time and effort, and labor you will invest with other products and having the trim be completely gone in a week or two or after a good wash is simply not worth the money.
With the strong chemicals we have used on it, we basically gave it 50 times worth of washes. It did not budge. Now we do not know how long it will last. But based on how it performed so far, it looks like it just might do what it had promised.
On top of all that, CERAKOTE is giving a no-questions-asked refund policy to its customers if the product doesn't work as advertised (provided you have been following the product instruction when working with it).
Our verdict on this product:
product life time when applied: A
resistance to elements: A
(Video) Cerakote Trim Coat Take 2: Update and Glossresistance to damage: B
resistance to chemicals: A
application difficulty: A
hydrophobic properties: A
gloss / shine: A
Average grade: A
Cost: 19.88$ / 1 vehicle kit
This is the first product we have graded with such a high score! And it is well deserved. We were dumbfounded by how well it performed. But not only because it was so good. The main reason is that all the other products that are used for the same application would not come even close to this score.
This one is lightyears ahead of its competition. If you have tested or used a plastic trim restorer that has performed similarly or better, please do leave a comment with your experiences because we are very intrigued!
Final thoughts on CERAKOTE Ceramic Coating?
If you have faded, old, or worn-out-looking plastic, we guarantee that this product will restore the plastic panels back to their original look. No matter what plastic you use it on, of course. But we are covering cars here, so let's focus on that.
As per instructions, do not use the product on other types of materials, we haven't tested it on other materials so we do not know how it would perform, but on plastic - it is the best product that we know of for that purpose.
Do you need to restore the plastic trim on your car? Buy CERAKOTE Ceramic Trim Coat Kit - Quick Plastic Trim Restorer.
Enjoy!
Get your CERAKOTE Ceramic Trim Coat Kit on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3kGPblv
FAQs
Review: CERAKOTE Ceramic Trim Coat Kit - Plastic Restorer? ›
Cerakote Trim Coat is a CERAMIC coating that will last 2 years or your money back, no questions asked! Our product is NOT a temporary greasy dressing that will disappear after a couple washes or a good rain.
How long does Cerakote trim restorer last? ›Cerakote Trim Coat is a CERAMIC coating that will last 2 years or your money back, no questions asked! Our product is NOT a temporary greasy dressing that will disappear after a couple washes or a good rain.
Which plastic trim restorer is best? ›| Best car plastic trim restorer | Brand | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | Cerakote | Ceramic Trim Coat |
| For the money | Chemical Guys | VRP |
| Spray plastic restorer | Meguiar's | Ultimate Black |
| Premium plastic restorer | Carfidant | Trim & Plastic Restorer |
Applying a ceramic coating to plastic trim is a great way to restore faded plastic trim pieces and unpainted fender flares to showroom condition. In fact, you can apply Armor Shield IX to any surface that is porous and solid, including those covered in vinyl wrap or paint protection film.
Is Cerakote worth the extra money? ›Cerakote is a great option because not only is it water-proof and able to fully protect a firearm, it is also available in a myriad of finishes to create anything from a bold to subtle look.
Why is my Cerakote peeling? ›FLAKING OR DELAMINATION - Effect
Flaking of Cerakote will usually happen when exposed to high temperatures or operating temperatures. To fix this, you will need to re-sandblast parts, taking off the existing finish completely using either Aluminum Oxide or Garnet Sand #100 grit.
Olive oil can restore black plastic's natural color, clearing up any faded or discolored areas. Add a small, coin-sized dab of olive oil to a washcloth or paper towel—a little goes a long way, and you can always add more later as needed. Baby oil or linseed oil can also work as an alternative.
What are the disadvantages of Cerakote? ›Cerakote Disadvantages
There are a few disadvantages to cerakote. One is that it is a bit more expensive than other finishes. Another is that it is not as easy to apply as some finishes. Finally, it is not as durable as some finishes.
Cerakote is more durable than any other aftermarket sprayed on finish. There are many types of finishes, sprayed, chemical, plated to name a few. Nickel, Hard Chrome are some of the most durable finishes you can use but have their limits as far as color choice!
What is the lifespan of Cerakote? ›How long does it last? Cerakote is a permanent ceramic finish that is designed to last the lifetime of the firearm.
How long does ceramic coating last on plastic? ›
1 application typically lasts 3 years.
What to avoid with ceramic coating? ›Never use in direct sunlight
These ceramic enhancers should not be exposed to sunlight as they are formulated with polymers and concentrated ingredients might streak. Doing so can damage the paint to a point you will need polishing to fix or even paint correction. Apply boost sprays inside the garage to avoid streaks.
Cerakote is easy to apply and dries quickly. You don't have to worry about it peeling or flaking off over time. A Cerakote finish should last for several years if it is applied correctly.
Does Cerakote scratch easily? ›Can Cerakote Scratch? The short answer is yes you can scratch Cerakote but it is extremely scratch and abrasion resistant.
Which is better DuraCoat or Cerakote? ›Cured Cerakote absolutely beats cured DuraCoat in every measurable respect with regard to finish quality, abrasion resistance, and overall toughness.
Do you have to sand before Cerakote? ›Adhesion. Using the right sand blasting media is essential to achieve the correct mechanical profile for Cerakote to bond properly. Good mechanical adhesion is key to Cerakote's performance attributes.
Does Cerakote need to be oiled? ›If you have a firearm completely refinished in Cerakote or Duracoat, a period of 200 to 300 rounds is typically required for break in with quality gun oil or grease. After this period you can run your weapon lightly lubricated!
Is Cerakote or powder coat better? ›Traditionally, Powder Coat has been known as the go-to coating solution for automotive components, however, as of recent, many fab shops and individuals have discovered and transitioned to Cerakote. Cerakote is compatible with more automotive components thanks to its ultra-thin finish and high-temp tolerance.
How long does plastic trim restorer last? ›In terms of longevity, Black Trim Restorer can last up to 6 months or more on exterior plastic without any boosting. It is recommended to seal in the results with ourGraphene Ceramic Spray Coating™ Advanced orGraphene Ceramic Coating™ once it is fully dry, to extend the life by up to 2 years or more.
Does a heat gun restore faded plastic? ›The biggest don't when it comes to plastic restoration is this one: Do not use heat, heat gun or torches to restore your plastics.
When should you not use WD-40? ›
It is safe for metal, rubber, wood and plastic. WD-40 can be applied to painted metal surfaces without harming the paint. Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic are among the few surfaces on which to avoid using a petroleum-based product like WD-40.
How do you restore oxidized clear plastic? ›- Pour straight peroxide in a container.
- Put the plastic in the container.
- Allow the plastic to soak in the sunlight until the stain lifts.
- Rinse and dry.
Fortunately, you can easily remove oxidation with sandpaper, vinegar, or a bleach solution. Plastic that has faded to a yellow or brown color was made with bromine, which causes the plastic to change color over time. However, you can reverse bromine discoloration with hydrogen peroxide.
What makes car plastic black again? ›Car trim restorer. Using a trim restorer is the easiest and least time consuming way to restore black plastic trim. Good trim restorers will nourish the faded black plastic and keep it from going grey again. Plastic restorer will prevent oxidation that causes the grey look on your trims.
What restores oxidized plastic? ›A mixture of five cups of vinegar and one gallon of hot water can be applied via a spray bottle onto the affected area. Long-handled, soft-bristled cleaning brushes help to remove the oxidation. Continuing this manner in small sections works best so the solution does not dry out.
Is Cerakote the best? ›Cerakote is the hardest coating substance because it contains ceramic content. It can endure or withstand a lot before cracking or breaking. These custom gun coatings will increase physical performance and properties like abrasion, chemical resistance, and corrosion resistance.
Is Cerakote good for plastic? ›Though the color and other materials can be formulated during the manufacturing process, the application of Cerakote to plastic helps protect it, increase hardness, resists wear, makes the product more substantial, and provides additional customization with color and UV protection.
Does the military use Cerakote? ›Military and goverment coatings
The Military and Government Coating industry uses Cerakote, Powder Coating, and Hydrographics for Protection and to get a nice custom look for all government agencies items.
We take pride in manufacturing our products in the United States.
Is Cerakote permanent? ›Cerakote requires many hours of prep, spray, and cure time before the firearm can be used. It is a permanent application that cannot be reversed so easily but will endure a long time.
Does Cerakote keep heat out? ›
CerakoteTM exhaust coatings are durable, heat-resistant coatings with excellent long-term performance. Additionally, CerakoteTM ceramic exhaust coatings function as thermal barriers for thermally-sensitive applications.
How long does Cerakote take to fully cure? ›Parts will be tack free after approximately 35 minutes. Until this point the coating is still wet, so take care to not bump or touch the parts. Parts will be partially cured after 24 hours and fully cured 5 days after application.
What is the most popular Cerakote? ›Popular Cerakote Colors
However, by far the most common colors are a simple black, tan (FDE), and green (OD Green). But burnt bronze and silver are also pretty popular these days too!
Cerakote is a proprietary ceramic polymer based coating that offers advanced durability, hardness, scratch resistance, corrosion resistance, flexibility, heat dissipation, and chemical resistance.
Why is plastic better than ceramic? ›Plastic's thermal conductivity is around 10 times lower than ceramic's. This relatively sluggish transfer of heat is what makes plastic feel 'warmer' than ceramic, even if they're at the same temperature.
How do you make plastic look like ceramic? ›With 100% paint, (no mixing yet) paint a light coat onto your plastic to create a base for your faux ceramic mix to stick to. Paint all over the item and on the edges using long strokes. Leave to dry completely. Mix your second layer of paint with 70% Paint to 30% Baking Powder.
Is Cerakote a ceramic coating? ›Cerakote™ is a ceramic coating that is most commonly applied to metals but is nearly limitless to the number of applications it can be used for. Unlike other “Ceramic” coatings, Cerakote™ is formulated from the molecular level.
Can you use too much ceramic coating? ›The short answer is yes, you can put too much ceramic coating on a car. We have seen photos of DIY applications of ceramic coatings which have gone horribly wrong, and it does appear that there is too much product on the car.
How many times can you apply ceramic coating? ›Two coats of ceramic coating and one coat of topcoat are frequently sufficient for a 3-5 year lifespan. The performance of this component is influenced by your driving conditions and usage patterns. However, it also depends on how well you maintain your vehicle.
What are the negative effects of ceramic? ›Hazards. There have been known cases of silicosis, or "potter's rot, from chronic inhalation of large amounts of free silica during clay mixing. Symptoms of silicosis include: shortness of breath, dry cough, emphysema, and high susceptibility to lung infections such as tuberculosis.
Can you ruin ceramic coating? ›
Yes, it is possible to mess up a DIY ceramic coating application. Improper application may cause high spots, streaks, cloudy reflections or hazing. These mistakes won't permanently damage your vehicle's paint and can be undone.
Is it bad to wax over ceramic coating? ›Car waxes with ingredients like carnauba wax and synthetic shine polymers are perfectly safe to use—and even recommended to use—on top of ceramic coatings.
How long does trim restore last? ›The product is easy to apply and comes in an eight-ounce bottle with an applicator pad. The restorer can last for up to 12 months and is recommended for both cars and motorcycles.
How long will Cerakote last? ›How long does it last? Cerakote is a permanent ceramic finish that is designed to last the lifetime of the firearm. Cerakote could strongest and most durable and most rust resistant coating there is, but it is no magic bullet. The coating can still be abused by rough handling and rough holsters.
Does Cerakote wear off? ›Will Cerakote Wear Off? As with all finishes, Cerakote will wear over time if it is subjected to regular use.
Can Cerakote be used on interior plastic? ›Cerakote can be applied to a range of substrates including plastic and metal trim, interior and exterior hardware, and even over primed and pretreated parts. Cerakote can protect surfaces from UV, weathering, and whatever the road may throw at you.
How do you get black plastic back to black? ›Although durable, black plastics (especially car trims and bumpers) are prone to fading and discoloration over time. Luckily, bringing out the plastic's natural luster is easily done. By rubbing olive oil or using a heat gun on the faded area, you can help your plastic look as good as new.