Experience the Power of Cerakote's Rapid Ceramic Paint Sealant
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why I Chose the Cerakote Rapid Ceramic Paint Sealant
- The Problem with My Previous Ceramic Coating
- The Benefits of Cerakote Trim Coat
- My Search for a Standalone Paint Protectant
- Unboxing the Cerakote Rapid Ceramic Paint Sealant
- Application Process and Initial Impressions
- Testing the Hydrophobic Properties
- Durability and Longevity of the Sealant
- Dirt Repellency and Ease of Cleaning
- Final Thoughts and Recommendation
🌟 Highlights 🌟
- Improved gloss and shine
- Good water repellency and sheeting effect
- Easy application process
- Decent dirt repellency and easy cleaning
- Affordable price point
Introduction
Hey there! Welcome to my channel. In today's video, I'll be sharing my experience with the Cerakote Rapid Ceramic Paint Sealant. After my previous ceramic coating failed, I was on the lookout for a temporary standalone paint protectant that could keep my vehicle protected until I could apply a new ceramic coating in the spring. That's when I stumbled upon Cerakote and decided to give their sealant a try. In this article, I'll walk you through why I chose this sealant, the unboxing experience, the application process, and share my overall thoughts on its performance. So let's dive in!
Why I Chose the Cerakote Rapid Ceramic Paint Sealant
Before I get into the details of the sealant, let me explain why I decided to give Cerakote a try. My previous ceramic coating had lasted me a good three years, but it had started to fail, especially on the sides of my vehicle. I had tried various toppers and sealants, but none of them provided the durability and longevity I was looking for. However, I had a positive experience with Cerakote's Trim Coat, which I had applied to my fender wheels a few months ago. It held up well, was easy to clean, and had maintained its darkness. So when I saw that Cerakote had a paint sealant in their product line, I thought it would be a perfect temporary solution to protect my vehicle until I could apply a new ceramic coating.
The Problem with My Previous Ceramic Coating
Lets be honest, my previous ceramic coating had served its time. After surviving Canadian winters and summers for three years, it was time for a refresh. The coating had completely failed on the sides of my vehicle, leaving no protection. I had tried decontaminating it, but nothing seemed to bring back its effectiveness. That's when I realized the time had come to reapply a new ceramic coating in the spring. In the meantime, I needed something to provide basic protection and make it easier to wash my truck, which I drive every day during the winter. I wasn't a fan of toppers or spray waxes since they didn't offer the durability and longevity I desired. That's where the Cerakote Rapid Ceramic Paint Sealant caught my attention.
The Benefits of Cerakote Trim Coat
Before delving into my experience with the paint sealant, I want to mention the positive results I had achieved with Cerakote's Trim Coat. I applied it to my fender wheels a few months ago, and it has exceeded my expectations. The trim has remained dark and easy to clean, with no signs of discoloration or fading. I've been impressed by its durability and how well it has held up. These positive results gave me confidence in trying out the Cerakote Rapid Ceramic Paint Sealant on the rest of my vehicle.
My Search for a Standalone Paint Protectant
I'm not one for frequent topper applications or products that require reapplication after each wash. I wanted a standalone paint protectant that could provide a decent level of protection throughout the winter months. After careful research and consideration, I came across the Cerakote Rapid Ceramic Paint Sealant. Unlike traditional toppers, this sealant is designed to be a true standalone paint protectant. It offers hydrophobic repellant properties, dirt resistance, high gloss, and a slick finish. The fact that it was from Cerakote, a brand that had already impressed me with their Trim Coat, made me more inclined to give it a shot.
Unboxing the Cerakote Rapid Ceramic Paint Sealant
When my package arrived, I was greeted with a well-presented box from Cerakote. Inside, I found a 12 oz bottle of the paint sealant, an upgraded spray nozzle, detailed instructions, and two high-quality microfiber towels. It's worth noting that the bottle size had recently been increased from 8 oz to 12 oz, which is a great value for the price. However, I wasn't particularly fond of the spray nozzle design, as it didn't atomize the product as well as I would have liked. Nevertheless, it did the job adequately.
Application Process and Initial Impressions
To start the application process, I made sure my vehicle was washed and completely dry. Working in a controlled environment with a humidity of about 50% and a temperature of 16 degrees, I began spraying the sealant onto the vehicle. It's essential to work away from direct sunlight and ensure the vehicle isn't hot to the touch. I applied the sealant in moderate amounts, as too much product can be challenging to remove. Using the provided microfiber towels, I wiped off the sealant in a buffing motion. I noticed that the sealant buffed off easily and left a nice slickness on the paint surface. While it wasn't as slick as some higher-end products I had used in the past, it still provided a noticeable improvement compared to the previous state of the paint.
Testing the Hydrophobic Properties
One of the key features of any paint sealant is its ability to repel water and provide a hydrophobic effect. After letting the sealant cure for about two hours, I decided to perform a water test to evaluate its hydrophobic properties. I sprayed water onto the side panels of the vehicle and observed how it behaved. I was pleased to see that the water quickly sheeted off, leaving minimal to no water droplets behind. This indicated that the sealant was doing its job and still providing excellent water repellency. The hydrophobic effect was still going strong even after a month of application.
Durability and Longevity of the Sealant
Determining the exact durability and longevity of a sealant can be challenging, as it depends on various factors such as exposure to elements, washing frequency, and the type of chemicals used. While Cerakote doesn't provide specific claims about the sealant's lifespan, I was hopeful that it would last at least 30 days, with the understanding that a spray-on sealant cannot match the durability of a concentrated ceramic coat. After using the sealant for over a month, I can confidently say that it held up well. The gloss and water repellency remained intact, and the sealant provided a certain level of dirt repellency, making the cleaning process easier.
Dirt Repellency and Ease of Cleaning
During the month-long test period, I deliberately didn't wash my vehicle to assess the sealant's effectiveness in repelling dirt. While there was some minimal dirt accumulation, particularly on the lower panels, I observed that the majority of the dirt easily rinsed off during the wash. This indicated that the sealant did provide a decent level of dirt repellency. Cleaning the vehicle was a breeze, and I didn't encounter any issues with stubborn dirt or grime. Overall, I was satisfied with the sealant's ability to keep the vehicle relatively clean and make the maintenance process more manageable.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
Taking everything into consideration, I can confidently recommend the Cerakote Rapid Ceramic Paint Sealant. It delivered on its claims of improved gloss, water repellency, and ease of cleaning. While the slickness might not have been as high as some higher-end products, it was still noticeable. The sealant's durability and longevity were commendable, lasting over a month without significant degradation. The reasonable price point, coupled with its overall performance, makes this sealant a worthy investment for those looking for a reliable standalone paint protectant.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you found this article helpful. If you enjoyed the content, don't forget to like and subscribe to my channel for more automotive-related videos. Have a great day, and I'll catch you in the next one!
FAQs
Q: Is the Cerakote Rapid Ceramic Paint Sealant safe to use on all painted surfaces?
A: Yes, the Cerakote Rapid Ceramic Paint Sealant is safe to use on all painted surfaces, plastics, and windows without causing any damage.
Q: How often should I reapply the sealant?
A: The frequency of reapplication depends on factors like exposure to elements and washing methods. While the sealant's longevity is subjective, I recommend reapplying it every month for optimal results.
Q: Can the sealant be used as a topper or lubricant during regular washes?
A: No, the Cerakote Rapid Ceramic Paint Sealant is designed to be a standalone paint protectant and should not be used as a topper or lubricant during regular washes.
