I’m also liking the C4, but have found the combination of price, ease of use, and durability of Cerakote to be what I reach for. Thanks for the update Brian !
Cerakote is very useful for very beat up trim like súper faded and stuff but the c4 it’s better if your trim is looking good and you only want protection for 2 or 3 years. I know cerakote will turn white if you apply it to a new trim so weirdly but it does and they even stated in the web. Not to apply to newer cars. C4 on the other hand will help you keep the original finish for long time probably 5 years if you clean your car often and apply a seal and shine once every 2 or 3 washes 😊
I bought CK from Amazon the day you started this test. It came in a couple days and I applied it. So I’m tracking right along with this test. The CK is holding up great, I wash 2 times a a week at a touch less car wash tunnel. I have never seen a product renew so well and STAY black and shiny! I am very very happy at the one month mark. I live in St Louis and our weather is pretty harsh.
The coatings that make the water bead - are likely the best options, as they should have a self cleaning property. Rain should assist road dirt roll off
For me it's C4 or cerakote Solution finish for plastic restoration. Excellent update as more & more vehicles get inundated with cheap/thin exterior plastic.
Super Brian.....! Merry Xmas good friend. Personally, I had a problem with Cerakote; but I corrected it. The target: a Jeep Wrangler's fenders and bumpers. Prior to application I made sure surfaces were totally clean (I even clayed the plastic). To a first fender, I applied Cerakote and it turn out terrible (stricky, uneven color, etc.). The problem: I didn't apply an even coat throughout, because product dries fast and the little pads are deceiving, for they wet the surface, but do it unevenly. There was no way to remove it. So, I had to get a used replacement fender that looked like the old one (you cannot re-apply it, for it will repel even old Cerakote from minutes ago). The solution: However, on my second intent, I made sure that I even out the ENTIRE surface with the provided little pads BEFORE the product dried out. Now the product was evenly spread out to the entire fender as a whole (not sections). If I may add, Cerakote doesn't have good sel-leveling properties and dries too fast (at 70 degrees - no sun). All fenders and bumpers look amazing. It is not a very forgiving product to apply, but looks and protection may be the best in the market.
I use C4 and Solution Finish and agree with your results. I have layered mine and they are holding up well to the UK weather. Happy Holidays thanks Markas
so from my personal experience the solution finish i use it before 2 years in my old bmw e39. It had completely faded plastics in the mirrors and in the windshield bottom part... I clean the plastics with alcohol 2 times and then i apply the solution finish in 2 coats. 2 years later they where like brand new. Expensive but awesome product for plastics. I totally recommend the solution finish.
Brain I'm from Puerto Plata , Dominican Republic and I like to thank you for all the good information you give every time. After this I use keracote in all my works
Again, for me, C4 looks the most natural of them all quite frankly and the hydrophobic properties literally kill the competition. I like to warm the plastic a little before applying it personally. Then let it cure and add a second coat. Fantastic results!
@@TRUTHSEEKER12397 honestly? I'm not sure! Lol. I like to THINK it bonds a bit better and lasts longer, but I've never actually tested it properly. It's just the way I learned to do it.
@@AntEloftheHouseofEl Thanks...We applied some wax and it was 34 degrees out, totally changed the color of the paint, that's why I was curious if it makes a difference with trim cleaner.
I put 2 coats of Solution finish on my almost faded to white, black trims. 3 Years later they are still looking good but could use another hit when I get the time.
Really it held up well for 3 years ? I have a orange Subaru crosstrek with faded trim just bought this product and gonna use it sometime soon any advice?
Really it held up well for 3 years ? I have a orange Subaru crosstrek with faded trim just bought this product and gonna use it sometime soon any advice?
Thanks Brian, my daughter has a 1999 Honda crv with quite a lot of black ,rubber on it front and rear bumper covers side molding and was looking for a good product to clean it up. Appreciate your time in doing this test will help me save alot of time and money.
Thanks for the update. I applied the cerakote on all of the trim on a new (and we all know what that means - meh) sprinter in July and still going strong). Applied C4 to a 2014 Kia Sorento in July and it, although going strong, is not quite as strong as the cerakote (could be the application it was extremely hot and humid that day). I also found the cerakote to be a bit more forgiving during application. I like both, but will likely stick with the cerakote depending on how they both hold up through the winter.
Great to see this update! Thanks again for your review and Merry Christmas!🌲👼🎅⛄❄🥳👍🇵🇷 By the way, from all of them I have used solution finish and it has withstand great in Puerto Rico climate where we are sunny and summer all year long. After applying it I wanted it to last so after a month I ceramic coated two of my relatives and other 3 customers vehicles.
C4 is looking outstanding - I will be picking that up in the spring for my rides - Fireball Ultimate Trim/Tire in the mean time works pretty well for me.
Hoosier, I am planning on using the solution finish on my daughters fj cruiser because I have an unopened bottle of it I never used. What ceramic coating do use after solutin finish has set and dried? Thanks for your help.
appreciate the effort Brian, most of these products are not available in UK, i still use AM Trim and hasn't let me down yet, top-up every 2-3 months. Currently testing Infinity Wax's Rubber & Plastic Wax. 👍
i use solution finish, but i reapply when needed, Gtech C4 would be more permanent and does look good! Cerakote... For the price looks like a Winner~! went back to your video of July 03 /2019 excellent video presenting Cerakote Kit~!
Thanks for the update. And THANK YOU For all you do!!! Could C4 be applied over Solution Finish after this cures out? Or would it even be needed? Have a Merry Christmas!!
Thank you for this test! everyone else just puts the stuff on and says it looks good in the first 4 minutes, well no duh!. You did the work tho and are showing us what we wanted to see with a month of wear and weather.
I use the lithium on interior panels. I like it there. I found the same with it , did not last very long on exterior. I also use solutions finish.I like to top it to try and see if it lasts longer..
Wow I'm amazed that trim serum wasn't in the top 3 with cerekote and C4. I'd like to see gyeon trim and extreme solutions restore get to throw their hats in with the winners along with tac systems seal, perl, DLUX, black bond, Angel wax Elixir, and fireball trim. That would make an amazing second round battle with the top 3 from the 1st round! Also any chance your able to review Carpro SiC? I'm curious as to where it actually fits in their line up and what it's better than. I.e. Gliss or UK 3.0 or Cquartz ceramic Quartz. As always another great video...... Have a wonderful holiday! Can't wait to see what you show n teach us next yr!
Looks like Cerakote edges out the rest little bit. C4 looks nice too. Im trying Stoners trim shine right now, but it doesn't last very long. Maybe a week or so. So it could be quite expensive if used weekly, and I go thru multiple bottles.
I have a Jeep Renegade to do this spring.The person in question doesn’t use it the winter.He purchasing a new soft vinyl top.Will have to treat and protect the new top,and hard plastic.Your video couldn’t have come at a better time.Having viewed the video I seem to be leaning towards G te nick,The Carakote looks sharp too. Any personal preferences. Thanks happy Holidays
Would you please do a video on nose, eye, ear and hand protection? I know that some latex gloves are thicker than others. Also what knee pads and rolling chair do you use? Thanks and Happy Holidays, sir.
Can you answer the age old riddle? What is newspaper that cleans glass so well? I used to detail cars as a kid. There's just about nothing that comes equal to the cleaning ability of newspaper and window cleaner. Some people claim it's the ink, others claim it's in the paper. Thoughts?
This is great stuff and is very helpful amd thank you!! For Cerakote and Solution Finish, can they be applied on warm surface? The car is exposed to the sun in the morning and will be under the shade in the afternoon...
I want to do both a restoration on faded trim & protect it moving fwd. Any chance you have experimented with using solution finish to restore black trim from grey, back to it's original black & then coated it with a product like cerakote trim to extend the restoration to a year or so between treatments?
Hey Brian,great vid(s) really the way to do it.time.semi related question: generally speaking,the pre wash spray and the soap at drive in carwash you spray / you pray ,not tunnel wash.what is the industry standard ? Ph neutral? Pre wash spray,what is in the stuff? Winter, Tn cant bust out my own controlled soaps etc like spring summer.in other words i have no control over what i,m cleaning my truck and its plastic . Industry standards.???
C4 the best I use it on my ram almost a year ago in south Florida and still looks great . I wash my truck one a month and I always apply turtle wax seal and shine to everything and it helps tremendously to keep the ceramic intact. I did ceramic to my whole truck
I'm currently using Solution Finish but for the cost Cerakote looks great. Thanks for the update Brian and Merry Christmas.
I’m also liking the C4, but have found the combination of price, ease of use, and durability of Cerakote to be what I reach for. Thanks for the update Brian !
Cerakote is very useful for very beat up trim like súper faded and stuff but the c4 it’s better if your trim is looking good and you only want protection for 2 or 3 years. I know cerakote will turn white if you apply it to a new trim so weirdly but it does and they even stated in the web. Not to apply to newer cars. C4 on the other hand will help you keep the original finish for long time probably 5 years if you clean your car often and apply a seal and shine once every 2 or 3 washes 😊
I bought CK from Amazon the day you started this test. It came in a couple days and I applied it. So I’m tracking right along with this test. The CK is holding up great, I wash 2 times a a week at a touch less car wash tunnel. I have never seen a product renew so well and STAY black and shiny! I am very very happy at the one month mark. I live in St Louis and our weather is pretty harsh.
Update?
The coatings that make the water bead - are likely the best options, as they should have a self cleaning property. Rain should assist road dirt roll off
For me it's C4 or cerakote
Solution finish for plastic restoration. Excellent update as more & more vehicles get inundated with cheap/thin exterior plastic.
Cerakote and C4 look the best in my opinion. Merry Christmas to all in the Apex family!
Me too I saw c4 looked good. 👍
Id go with cerakote because of the price. It looked amazing and protected great as well!! 👌💯
Merry Christmas to you and all the family! Thank You all for sharing and help you give! Be safe an enjoy some relaxing time.
Awesome follow up! Put cerakote on my wife’s explorer in April and it still looks great.
Super Brian.....! Merry Xmas good friend. Personally, I had a problem with Cerakote; but I corrected it. The target: a Jeep Wrangler's fenders and bumpers. Prior to application I made sure surfaces were totally clean (I even clayed the plastic). To a first fender, I applied Cerakote and it turn out terrible (stricky, uneven color, etc.). The problem: I didn't apply an even coat throughout, because product dries fast and the little pads are deceiving, for they wet the surface, but do it unevenly. There was no way to remove it. So, I had to get a used replacement fender that looked like the old one (you cannot re-apply it, for it will repel even old Cerakote from minutes ago). The solution: However, on my second intent, I made sure that I even out the ENTIRE surface with the provided little pads BEFORE the product dried out. Now the product was evenly spread out to the entire fender as a whole (not sections). If I may add, Cerakote doesn't have good sel-leveling properties and dries too fast (at 70 degrees - no sun). All fenders and bumpers look amazing. It is not a very forgiving product to apply, but looks and protection may be the best in the market.
Great post. thank you for the feed back.
I use C4 and Solution Finish and agree with your results. I have layered mine and they are holding up well to the UK weather. Happy Holidays thanks Markas
How long do you find the layered approach lasts to keep the trim nice & black?
Cerakote looking good! And C4!
C4 is pretty expensive.
so from my personal experience the solution finish i use it before 2 years in my old bmw e39. It had completely faded plastics in the mirrors and in the windshield bottom part... I clean the plastics with alcohol 2 times and then i apply the solution finish in 2 coats. 2 years later they where like brand new. Expensive but awesome product for plastics. I totally recommend the solution finish.
Brain
I'm from Puerto Plata , Dominican Republic and I like to thank you for all the good information you give every time.
After this I use keracote in all my works
Again, for me, C4 looks the most natural of them all quite frankly and the hydrophobic properties literally kill the competition.
I like to warm the plastic a little before applying it personally. Then let it cure and add a second coat.
Fantastic results!
Is there a difference if you applied it cold?
@@TRUTHSEEKER12397 honestly? I'm not sure! Lol. I like to THINK it bonds a bit better and lasts longer, but I've never actually tested it properly. It's just the way I learned to do it.
@@AntEloftheHouseofEl Thanks...We applied some wax and it was 34 degrees out, totally changed the color of the paint, that's why I was curious if it makes a difference with trim cleaner.
@@AntEloftheHouseofEl When you say warm it up, you mean leave in the sun for a little bit?
@@TRUTHSEEKER12397 well, if you live somewhere warm then yeah! Otherwise it needs a hairdryer! Lol.
I put 2 coats of Solution finish on my almost faded to white, black trims.
3 Years later they are still looking good but could use another hit when I get the time.
Really it held up well for 3 years ? I have a orange Subaru crosstrek with faded trim just bought this product and gonna use it sometime soon any advice?
Really it held up well for 3 years ? I have a orange Subaru crosstrek with faded trim just bought this product and gonna use it sometime soon any advice?
Thanks Brian, my daughter has a 1999 Honda crv with quite a lot of black ,rubber on it front and rear bumper covers side molding and was looking for a good product to clean it up. Appreciate your time in doing this test will help me save alot of time and money.
Thanks for the update. I applied the cerakote on all of the trim on a new (and we all know what that means - meh) sprinter in July and still going strong). Applied C4 to a 2014 Kia Sorento in July and it, although going strong, is not quite as strong as the cerakote (could be the application it was extremely hot and humid that day). I also found the cerakote to be a bit more forgiving during application. I like both, but will likely stick with the cerakote depending on how they both hold up through the winter.
Thx again buddy and C4 & CK looks great holding up.
I agree fully as that is what I was going to say + Merry Christmas to everyone from the land down under ;)
Excellent demonstration 👍 very professional and enjoyable to watch. Thank you for sharing this.
I've been using C4 and it's good to see that I made a great choice!
Thanks for the follow up. I can always count on your channel for great feedback!
Great to see this update!
Thanks again for your review and Merry Christmas!🌲👼🎅⛄❄🥳👍🇵🇷
By the way, from all of them I have used solution finish and it has withstand great in Puerto Rico climate where we are sunny and summer all year long. After applying it I wanted it to last so after a month I ceramic coated two of my relatives and other 3 customers vehicles.
C4 is looking outstanding - I will be picking that up in the spring for my rides - Fireball Ultimate Trim/Tire in the mean time works pretty well for me.
I like cerakote. I’ve used it and have faith in it. Solution is also a great product in my book.
@MysteriousOklahoma the first place in the firsteqq
Your new intro is perfect. Short and sweet.
I've always had good results with solution finish topped off with a light ceramic coating 🛡
Hoosier, I am planning on using the solution finish on my daughters fj cruiser because I have an unopened bottle of it I never used. What ceramic coating do use after solutin finish has set and dried? Thanks for your help.
Hey Hoosier. Do you wait to coat your trim after applying solution finish?
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! and the interesting discussions this year! and wish you health, happiness and good luck for the new year!
I like C4 and TLC's trim restoration product.
Merry Christmas to you and your family Brian and thankyou for all the hardwork you have put in, for us to learn from.
Thanks again....
simp
appreciate the effort Brian, most of these products are not available in UK, i still use AM Trim and hasn't let me down yet, top-up every 2-3 months. Currently testing Infinity Wax's Rubber & Plastic Wax. 👍
I think from what I see Black Pearl is looking good. It looks rich black better than all the others even before you wash it.
It does look good...but is hard to find. The link does not work anymore.
I think Cerakote is holding up the best. Great product
Thank you this video was so helpful finding a great product ❤
R.P looks the best to me but cerakote and c4 looks to be what I would want on my vehicle, they look good and are hydrophobic
Yep. This for sure
I used the cerokot it was very easy to apply and lasted till now for 2 years
I love the renew Protect it’s the best from what I used
Just the video I been waiting on! Thank you Brian!
IMO Black Pearl seemed to work best. It appeared to stay the darkest.
i use solution finish but iam what other optios , c4 and cerakote looks great , thanks for your time brian as always
Cerakote for smooth trims, solution finish for semi-textured pieces.
Excellent video and review Brian appreciate the update and Happy Holidays.
I have always liked C4 👌🏼
C4 was looking the best. Fun video as always. Merry Christmas and happy new year everyone.
1st from Puerto Rico 👍🇵🇷
Jaja ,somos el diablo
@@mandytuning WEPA 👍🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷
Merry Christmas Brian. I think Black Pearl looks the best. I use Solution Finish!!
i use solution finish, but i reapply when needed, Gtech C4 would be more permanent and does look good! Cerakote... For the price looks like a Winner~! went back to your video of July 03 /2019 excellent video presenting Cerakote Kit~!
Great video with a lot of great choices. Merry Christmas!!!
For the price and performance, Solution Finish looks to be the best.
It's crazy how much variation there is between these products...great video Brian!
I think Cerakote looks best but I could be wrong.
Thanks for the update. And THANK YOU For all you do!!! Could C4 be applied over Solution Finish after this cures out? Or would it even be needed?
Have a Merry Christmas!!
Good question, my thoughts exactly.
Seems like c4 and Cerakote is the best when adding to new car.. Black Pearl seems to be my fav for older cars
Thank you for a great detailed video. I think I'll try the CK.
I use RP and have been happy with it.
Thank you for this test! everyone else just puts the stuff on and says it looks good in the first 4 minutes, well no duh!. You did the work tho and are showing us what we wanted to see with a month of wear and weather.
Hi Brian Thank you for this clip and update. Have you tried CERATRIM? Please let me know. Thank you.
C4 tech is the Best I have used thanks
Just ordered solution finish. Using cera trim. I really like the cera trim. Cerakote is next
I always enjoy your video
I was hoping this was coming. Thank you
C4 and Cerekote killing as far as water resistant, which is easier to apply? Black pearl looks really black though.
They both are very easy to apply.
From what I can tell Black Pearl is way black and looks good as new.
What do you use recommend for those running board/side steps that have black plastic trim on them without making them slippery/dangerous to step on?
TAC Moonlight.
I use the lithium on interior panels. I like it there. I found the same with it , did not last very long on exterior. I also use solutions finish.I like to top it to try and see if it lasts longer..
Wow I'm amazed that trim serum wasn't in the top 3 with cerekote and C4. I'd like to see gyeon trim and extreme solutions restore get to throw their hats in with the winners along with tac systems seal, perl, DLUX, black bond, Angel wax Elixir, and fireball trim. That would make an amazing second round battle with the top 3 from the 1st round!
Also any chance your able to review Carpro SiC? I'm curious as to where it actually fits in their line up and what it's better than. I.e. Gliss or UK 3.0 or Cquartz ceramic Quartz.
As always another great video...... Have a wonderful holiday! Can't wait to see what you show n teach us next yr!
SIC is now on the list.
C4, cerakote and black pearl are doing the best 👍👍👍
Big Solution Finish fan but I went and purchased Cerakote to give it a whirl.
What happened? The old intro was sooo much better!!!
Great vid, btw 👍
Duragloss 271 is pretty awesome stuff,and especially for the price.
Merry Christmas Brian & JR
Cerakote went on well on a Mini Cooper S and Honda Element. We'll see how it holds up.
Merry Christmas ⛄🎄
Damn good review!
Merry Christmas Guys🎄🎁
C4 definitely looks great 👍🏻
Looks like Cerakote edges out the rest little bit. C4 looks nice too. Im trying Stoners trim shine right now, but it doesn't last very long. Maybe a week or so. So it could be quite expensive if used weekly, and I go thru multiple bottles.
I have a Jeep Renegade to do this spring.The person in question doesn’t use it the winter.He purchasing a new soft vinyl top.Will have to treat and protect the new top,and hard plastic.Your video couldn’t have come at a better time.Having viewed the video I seem to be leaning towards G te nick,The Carakote looks sharp too. Any personal preferences.
Thanks happy Holidays
Those two or Gyeon Trim are decent.
Would you please do a video on nose, eye, ear and hand protection? I know that some latex gloves are thicker than others. Also what knee pads and rolling chair do you use? Thanks and Happy Holidays, sir.
c4 and cerokote.great video and product review good friend. b well
Can you answer the age old riddle? What is newspaper that cleans glass so well? I used to detail cars as a kid. There's just about nothing that comes equal to the cleaning ability of newspaper and window cleaner. Some people claim it's the ink, others claim it's in the paper. Thoughts?
Wish I had seen your video before I shelled out $36 for a bottle of Trim Serum. I fell for their marketing.
C4 for the win Brian
Great results and I myself use Ck
Cerakote and C4 are my choices
Love ur work brayn
Yup.. C4 and Cerakote.
Thanks Brian
This is great stuff and is very helpful amd thank you!! For Cerakote and Solution Finish, can they be applied on warm surface? The car is exposed to the sun in the morning and will be under the shade in the afternoon...
Let’s do it!!!
Gtechniq for the win!
I want to do both a restoration on faded trim & protect it moving fwd. Any chance you have experimented with using solution finish to restore black trim from grey, back to it's original black & then coated it with a product like cerakote trim to extend the restoration to a year or so between treatments?
Cerakote for me.
The Gtechniq C4 seems pretty good but a bit expensive for 15mil; which one(s) would be the best bang for your buck for the DIYer.
RP looks great
Hey Brian,great vid(s) really the way to do it.time.semi related question: generally speaking,the pre wash spray and the soap at drive in carwash you spray / you pray ,not tunnel wash.what is the industry standard ? Ph neutral? Pre wash spray,what is in the stuff? Winter, Tn cant bust out my own controlled soaps etc like spring summer.in other words i have no control over what i,m cleaning my truck and its plastic . Industry standards.???
On a coated car...ph neutral at 7. Others such as Bilt Hamber can be alkaline.
C4 the best I use it on my ram almost a year ago in south Florida and still looks great . I wash my truck one a month and I always apply turtle wax seal and shine to everything and it helps tremendously to keep the ceramic intact. I did ceramic to my whole truck
Which would last longest on interior plastic. I bought an old truck with faded plastic. Do I need to worry about smells?
pro black looks the best to me
This test was done on a rubber mat, not plastic's like is on the outside of vehicles ? Honest test ?
Great content!