So apparently no Cerakote on "new" vehicles...

[PBCounty]

I bought some Cerakote Trim Coat today for my unpainted fenders and all the rest of the plastics with the goal being sun protection. Opening the box, the instructions state not for use on new vehicles. So, I went to Internet and apparently you're supposed to wait until the plastics are damaged before applying this stuff, otherwise Cerakote could damage newer plastics.

What constitutes new? My Gladiator was built in December of 2023, only comes out of garage maybe 16 hours a week, and has 7k miles on it.

What's your experience with this stuff or what are recommended alternatives for preemptive sun protection?

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[Hootbro]

I would suggest finding a out of the way visible test spot like the underside of the fender and treat it, monitor and make a decision based of that.

 

[Chasm]

I don't know about Cerakote, but some of the "restorers" actually dissolve the surface of the plastic. On "old" plastic that's the oxidized surface. On "new" plastic that's the original sealed surface. Sounds like you want a product that just says "protects" instead of "restores and protects".
Or you could decide that you don't care, as long as it's protected when you're done.

I've only used Meguiar's hybrid ceramic wax so far.

 

[Rusty PW]

I've used the Cerakote since about 6 months old. No ill effects. I apply it about twice a year. Once in the spring, and once in the fall. I'm using the professional kit.

https://www.amazon.com/CERAKOTE®-Tr...d_bap_d_grid_rp_0_1_ec_pd_nav_hcs_rp_2_i&th=1

 

[ChrisNLA]

For plastics that aren't faded all to hell yet I used 303 Protectant or a normal DIY ceramic coating (the most recent kit I bought was from Avalon King).

For faded plastics regardless of age I always use Cerakote Trim Coat Restorer - and I've had no issues with it regardless of age if the plastic has faded out.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

The only thing I use on all surfaces is Ethos Graphene/Ceramic coating, on every surface other than the regular hardtop black coating. On forward facing areas, like grill, edge of hood and fenders, windshield frame, I add a couple more coats the next couple days after 24 hours each. The rain literally washes even the bugs off and all types of dirt, the rain just flies right off the windshield at highway speeds almost not needing the wipers! Each coating last at least 8 months, that could be as much as 16-18 trips through one of the new soft touch car washes near my home. I have Chrystal Granite Metallic paint that’s now 14 months old and of course looks better than any new truck on the lot that’s factory fresh. If I drop a microfiber cloth near the side of the hood it will seemingly just float off, very smooth to the touch.

 

[SREAD]

I just applied the cerakote to my 23 Mojave which is garaged 90 percent of the time. Only did the front fenders cuz I was a little concerned also about the disclaimer. I did use a dry microfiber cloth afterwards (as suggested) to even it out and prevent any streaking but it looks great so far.

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