In late 2023, Cerakote unveiled its professional ceramic paint coating, which initially received high praise for its cost-effectiveness, gloss, slickness, and hydrophobic properties. However, as weeks passed, users started noticing issues with water behavior, leading to questions about the product’s durability. This prompted an interview with the CEO of Cerakote, who acknowledged that there were curing mechanism issues in certain conditions. Following customer feedback, Cerakote worked tirelessly to develop a revised version. Here we examine the performance of Cerakote 2.0, which has been applied to the same vehicle previously used for testing.
Following detailed prep steps, including a Decon wash, machine polishing, and careful application of the new formula, the vehicle endured a month of real-world conditions such as pollen season and exposure to bug guts. Upon inspection, the car was found to be extremely dirty with evident water spots. Preliminary water tests on both flat and vertical panels revealed that the new coating performed significantly better, showcasing tight, round water beads and improved hydrophobic properties. The Cerakote 2.0 demonstrated notable durability and resistance compared to its predecessor, suggesting that the revisions made by Cerakote have effectively addressed the initial issues.
Table of Contents
Revisiting Cerakote 2.0: Initial Reactions and Application Process
After the initial release of Cerakote’s professional ceramic paint coating in late 2023, the product experienced a wave of positive feedback regarding its cost-effectiveness, gloss, slickness, and hydrophobic properties. However, concerns about its durability began to surface as customers experienced changes in water behavior after a few weeks.
To address these issues, Cerakote’s CEO acknowledged the problems with the curing mechanisms in certain conditions. The company took on the task of developing an improved version, Cerakote 2.0, which is distinguishable by its frosted clear bottle. This revised formula was applied to the same test vehicle to assess its performance over time, following an elaborate preparation procedure.
Detailed Preparation for Application
The process began with a Decon wash, essential for removing all the grime and contaminants that could interfere with the coating’s performance. A dual pH system was used, including CarPro Lift, an alkaline pre-wash solution, to eliminate road grime and traffic film, followed by CarPro Descale, an acidic soap designed to tackle minerals and water spots.
After the Decon wash, an iron remover was used to extract embedded brake dust, ensuring a clean surface. The vehicle was then machine polished using DIY Detail’s Gold Standard Polish and a gold waffle pad to completely remove the previous coating. This polishing step was followed by the application of a panel prep spray to strip away any remaining polishing oils, setting the stage for the application of Cerakote 2.0.
Application and Initial Observations
On April 28, 2024, Cerakote 2.0 was applied to the vehicle using a cross-hatch pattern to ensure even coverage. The coating was left to ‘sweat’ for five minutes before being leveled and buffed with a two-towel method. The initial results were promising, showcasing improved gloss and slickness compared to the original version.
After allowing the coating to cure for 24 hours in a controlled environment with optimal temperature and humidity conditions, the vehicle faced a month of real-world exposure, including pollen season and bug residues. The test was intended to validate the product’s claims of durability and enhanced hydrophobic properties.
Real-World Testing: One Month Later
By June 5, 2024, the vehicle had not been washed for over a month, putting Cerakote 2.0 to a rigorous test. The car was visibly dirty and covered with water spots, which provided a clear view of the coating’s performance. Water tests on the treated sections of the vehicle exhibited tight, round water beads, indicating strong hydrophobic properties even on a dirty surface.
Upon washing the vehicle with CarPro Reset, a pH-neutral shampoo, the improved water behavior was evident. The coating displayed excellent water beading and sheeting characteristics, suggesting that Cerakote 2.0 effectively addressed the initial problems. This outcome was observed on both flat and vertical panels, confirming the product’s enhanced durability and performance.
Customer Feedback and Final Thoughts
Cerakote’s commitment to customer satisfaction was evident through their proactive measures in addressing the flaws of the original formula. The company offered free replacements or refunds to customers who had purchased the first version and provided detailed application instructions to ensure optimal results with Cerakote 2.0.
The revised formula retained the initial product’s appealing features such as gloss and slickness, while significantly improving durability. This proactive approach by Cerakote demonstrates a commendable dedication to quality and customer feedback. Continued real-world testing and customer experiences will further validate the long-term performance of Cerakote 2.0.
The updated Cerakote 2.0 has proven to be a notable improvement over its predecessor. Following a thorough application process and a month of rigorous real-world testing, the results have been largely positive. The key areas where the new formula excelled included significantly improved hydrophobic properties, better water beading, and enhanced durability.
Despite the initial version’s failure to maintain its hydrophobic properties and durability, Cerakote’s commitment to addressing customer feedback has resulted in a much more reliable product. The frosted clear bottle of Cerakote 2.0 symbolizes this step forward. The proactive approach of offering free replacements or refunds to customers who purchased the original version demonstrates the company’s dedication to customer satisfaction.
In practical terms, the Cerakote 2.0 coating not only provided better protection against elements such as pollen and bug residue but also made maintaining the vehicle considerably easier. The water beading and sheeting characteristics observed on both flat and vertical panels suggest that the revisions made have successfully addressed past shortcomings.
Ultimately, the Cerakote 2.0 stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and quality improvement. The field testing confirms that the newer version holds up well under extended exposure to harsh conditions. As ongoing real-world use and customer feedback continue to roll in, Cerakote 2.0 is expected to solidify its place as a dependable option in the ceramic coating market.
