I tried a different cladding treatment today on the Z-66.
For years, I have used the Carworx Refinish Restorer product and I have always been happy with the results.
Generally, I have planned to reapply that product every 6-8 months, or as needed to maintain the look I desire.
Recently, I was coming up on the time to refresh the Z-66 and I stumbled across one of those Youtube videos where the guy was testing several trim restoring products.
The product that showed the best results in his test was called
CERAKOTE Ceramic Trim Coat Kit - Quick Plastic Trim Restorer - Guaranteed Restoration to Last Over 200 Washes – A Ceramic Coating, Not a Dressing.
I know that ceramic products seem to be all the rage these days, so I figured what better time than now to give this a try.
I bought two packages of the product, not knowing how much would be needed and I figured I could always use any leftovers on the EXT.
I suggest anyone wanting to treat a first generation, fully cladded Avalanche to do the same.
Each package comes with 10 individual packages of product and a pair of latex gloves.
When it was all said and done, I had one pair of gloves and two packages of product left over.
That should be enough for any touch ups if I find I missed any spots.
I prepped the cladding by running the truck though a regular bay car wash and giving the truck a good scrubbing.
It is important to make sure everything is dry before applying the product and to not apply in direct sunlight.
The product went on really easy and it did not seem to care if there was any Refinish Restorer still on the plastics.
The coverage was much smoother than the Carworx product.
I just started at the top of the truck and worked my way down and around, finishing with the front bumper.
It probably took two hours from start to finish.
One thing I need to say is this product is no joke and if you decide to use it, pay close attention to the precautions they give.
Absolutely pay attention to the part about wearing gloves and having good ventilation in your work area.
I applied with the truck inside my open two-car garage and I will probably make sure I have a good fan running next time.
The applicator sheets go a long way in covering quite a bit of plastic.
A single bag of the product, with it's 10 individual packets, will easily cover a second generation Avalanche without any lower cladding with plenty left over.
My 2003 Z-66 had never once had any type of treatment applied to the plastics until I bought the truck back in February of 2020.
As a result, the plastics that took the most sun exposure were in fairly bad shape, especially the bed panels.
While both products I have used so far have made a marked improvement, if I want perfection, I will have to explore having the bed panels painted.
But, that that is not on my radar, at the moment.
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So, bottom line is, I am VERY pleased with the way the initial application went and the look of the cladding, at the moment.
The next test will be to see just how long this product lasts before I need to reapply and what the plastics look like as the product ages.
Let the testing begin.