1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Cerakote Screw Up, Recovery, and Discussion

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by War Machine, Jan 1, 2021.

  1. Jan 1, 2021 at 1:33 PM
    #1
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2017
    Member:
    #8939
    Messages:
    16,909
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Texas
    So, I got a Bakflip for my new truck. Having had success with my test spot on the previous one, I decided to coat this one entirely with Cerakote before I installed it.

    Well, I screwed up pretty badly, but hopefully it will at least serve as a word of warning to others. The problem happened because I didn’t have as much Cerakote as I thought. I started with half a bag of wipes, and thought I had another full one. Turns out I didn’t.

    Once I realized I didn’t have enough product, I should’ve stopped until I got more. Unfortunately, as I tend to do when I find myself in a hole, I said screw it and kept digging. I tried to make five wipes go far enough to do this whole cover, when in hindsight I’d recommend at least twenty.
    Second mistake was doing it in poor lighting, so I didn’t realize how bad it looked until I got outside with it.

    You can see in the pic how uneven and streaky it ended up. It was a couple of days ago when I did it. I waited to share, hoping it would even out. It didn’t.

    EB22A177-BAEE-4D05-B8F3-02B5A9F68D73.jpg

    Due to the durability and my past experience with this product, I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a while before this goes away. I may try to buff it off, but in the past I’ve found this impossible. It sucks, but hopefully looking at this for the next several months will teach me to be more careful in the future. Maybe since it’s so thin and spread out, it will go away faster than normal.

    I still believe this can be a great application for this product. We got a ton of rain yesterday, and as bad as the cover looks, it was shedding water like crazy. This was my own failure, not the product. I think having plenty on hand, and using a good cross-hatch pattern is the answer.
    Anyway, just wanted to share a failure since those tend to be more educational than our successes are.
     
  2. Jan 1, 2021 at 2:20 PM
    #2
    Roborob70

    Roborob70 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2019
    Member:
    #24931
    Messages:
    1,409
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Robert
    Vehicle:
    18 Toyota Tundra TRD
    Why not try to redo it ? The only thing your out of is a little time and $
     
  3. Jan 1, 2021 at 2:30 PM
    #3
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2017
    Member:
    #8939
    Messages:
    16,909
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Texas
    I do intend to try, but from past experience it’s not effective to just go back over it with more Cerakote. I had a couple of spots on my nerf bars that got wet before curing, and trying to touch it up did nothing.
     
    ToyoMafia, Black Wolf and Patch999 like this.
  4. Jan 1, 2021 at 3:11 PM
    #4
    Roborob70

    Roborob70 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2019
    Member:
    #24931
    Messages:
    1,409
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Robert
    Vehicle:
    18 Toyota Tundra TRD
    Yeah in that case i would be apprehensive myself.
     
  5. Jan 2, 2021 at 6:37 AM
    #5
    frichco228

    frichco228 Valued Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2020
    Member:
    #40952
    Messages:
    4,470
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Frank
    Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2016 Crewmax 4WD, TRD Offroad
    Eibach Pro Truck Stage 2 suspension, HD RAS, 285/75-18 Nokian Outpost AT, LoPro bed cover, TRD rear sway bar, DD 10 inch exhaust, and various other goodies
    I think you may be ok. I have gone back over applied sections where I missed a spot and it looks normal. I would wash the Bakflip with dawn and then recoat the entire thing. But make sure it is fully dry and that you have a day with no rain or condensation to avoid white spots from improper cure.
     
  6. Jan 3, 2021 at 4:18 AM
    #6
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2017
    Member:
    #8939
    Messages:
    16,909
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Texas
    The spots I tried before were from water dripping before curing. Hopefully this won’t be the same. Got more that should be here today, so hopefully it will work. Tried some spots with Solution Finish, and it didn’t help much.
     
    ToyoMafia and Black Wolf like this.
  7. Jan 4, 2021 at 11:56 AM
    #7
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2017
    Member:
    #8939
    Messages:
    16,909
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Texas
    Went back over it with more Cerakote. Still some streaks but looks a lot better.

    44ECCAB1-A580-4523-9A66-87DF222AF9F6.jpg
     
  8. Jan 4, 2021 at 2:37 PM
    #8
    Roborob70

    Roborob70 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2019
    Member:
    #24931
    Messages:
    1,409
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Robert
    Vehicle:
    18 Toyota Tundra TRD
    looking way better though...
     
  9. Jan 4, 2021 at 3:21 PM
    #9
    Danimal86

    Danimal86 Looks clean even when its dirty!

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2017
    Member:
    #9321
    Messages:
    4,721
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Daniel
    Sacramento, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 White Tundra SR5
    much better
     
  10. Jan 4, 2021 at 3:44 PM
    #10
    palehorse

    palehorse @grey_ghost_trdpro

    Joined:
    Apr 16, 2020
    Member:
    #45101
    Messages:
    313
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Mount Pleasant, SC
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD PRO
    @War Machine Which Bakflip do you have? I have the MX4 with the matte finish and have thought about doing the same but do not want it shiny.
    Thx
    Jason
     
  11. Jan 4, 2021 at 3:52 PM
    #11
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2017
    Member:
    #8939
    Messages:
    16,909
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Texas
    It’s an MX4.
     
    palehorse[QUOTED] likes this.
  12. Jan 4, 2021 at 4:03 PM
    #12
    RobertD

    RobertD SSEM#123, ASCM#4 "I call it Vera" ~Jayne Cobb

    Joined:
    May 18, 2020
    Member:
    #46765
    Messages:
    3,789
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Robert
    DFW, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2018 Blazing Blue SR5 4x4 Crewmax
    Where do you buy your cerakote wipes from? I have found them on Amazon and their price seems decent.
     
  13. Jan 4, 2021 at 4:07 PM
    #13
    palehorse

    palehorse @grey_ghost_trdpro

    Joined:
    Apr 16, 2020
    Member:
    #45101
    Messages:
    313
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Mount Pleasant, SC
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD PRO
    TY
     
  14. Jan 5, 2021 at 3:46 AM
    #14
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2017
    Member:
    #8939
    Messages:
    16,909
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Texas
    I get them from Amazon.
     
    ToyoMafia and RobertD[QUOTED] like this.
  15. Jan 5, 2021 at 4:41 AM
    #15
    Bakershack

    Bakershack Critical of Noncritical Thinkers

    Joined:
    May 20, 2020
    Member:
    #46846
    Messages:
    4,962
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kelly
    Spanish Fort, AL
    Vehicle:
    2020 SSM 1794 4x4
    Nice recovery!
     
  16. Jan 5, 2021 at 4:44 AM
    #16
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2017
    Member:
    #8939
    Messages:
    16,909
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Texas
    Yes sir. There’s still a good bit of streaking, but it’s certainly better. I’m pretty sure I could eliminate it altogether with more product. I’ll give it a few weeks and washes to see if it levels out more on its own, then I’ll likely go over it again. There’s some rain in the forecast this week so I definitely don’t want to risk it right now. I’ll be able to get some good pics of it’s effectiveness though.
     
  17. Jan 9, 2021 at 6:00 AM
    #17
    ForceV4

    ForceV4 Pull my finger

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2018
    Member:
    #19162
    Messages:
    186
    Gender:
    Male
    Sacramento
    Vehicle:
    2018 DC TRD 4x4
    Is this Cerakote Ceramic Trim Coat? I may have to try it out on my MX4, too. Will it work on rubber such as door and window rubber/molding?
     
  18. Jan 11, 2021 at 4:06 AM
    #18
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2017
    Member:
    #8939
    Messages:
    16,909
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Texas
    It is, and yes. Just make sure everything is completely clean and dry. On the MX4, take your time and use plenty of product. I’d recommend having at least three bags of wipes.

    I didn’t get any pics, but it beaded the water on my Bakflip very well. The spot on my other one that I did in September (I believe) is still about 75% there.
     
    ToyoMafia likes this.
  19. Jan 11, 2021 at 5:27 AM
    #19
    ToyoMafia

    ToyoMafia SSEM #15-3MW-RGBA#?-@toyomafiaworld Vendor

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2019
    Member:
    #38453
    Messages:
    11,565
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    Magic carpet.
    Cool slaps and plastiDip
    Great recovery man. Looks so much better. So how many wipes do you recommend for a full cover?
     
    War Machine[OP] likes this.
  20. Jan 11, 2021 at 5:36 AM
    #20
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2017
    Member:
    #8939
    Messages:
    16,909
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Texas
    Honestly I’d get more than you need. I used five to begin with, which caused the problem by trying to spread them too far. I used another ten in the recovery. There’s still streaks, it’s just not as noticeable. I don’t know if having to go back over it caused me to have to use more or less.

    I’d say starting from scratch, twenty is probably a good number. I’d recommend getting three bags (30 wipes). Whatever you have left over can be used elsewhere. More than anything I’d just say do it right the first time. :facepalm:
     
    GODZILLA, jpod and ToyoMafia[QUOTED] like this.
  21. Jan 12, 2021 at 10:50 PM
    #21
    ForceV4

    ForceV4 Pull my finger

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2018
    Member:
    #19162
    Messages:
    186
    Gender:
    Male
    Sacramento
    Vehicle:
    2018 DC TRD 4x4
    Thank you. I'll order some of these and give it a shot. I'd also like to hit up some trim around the truck.

    Not to worry about using enough-I've been wiping myself for years. :eek:
     
  22. Feb 7, 2021 at 3:01 PM
    #22
    Runway

    Runway New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2019
    Member:
    #24550
    Messages:
    144
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kenneth
    Houston, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2016 White Tundra 1794
    I learned this lesson today. I used the product on trim around the driver side windows and those two panels between the doors. There were a few streaks (operator error ) on the two panels. So I thought, I’ll just touch it up. BAD choice. Now it really looks like crap. Is there a way to take it off or just let it takes it’s course.
     
  23. Feb 7, 2021 at 3:28 PM
    #23
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2017
    Member:
    #8939
    Messages:
    16,909
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Texas
    I was able to mitigate it somewhat after the first layer had cured. That’s the problem with this stuff. It’s great, but completely unforgiving.
     
    ToyoMafia likes this.
  24. Feb 9, 2021 at 4:32 AM
    #24
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2017
    Member:
    #8939
    Messages:
    16,909
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Texas
    As much as I love this product, and do believe it is a great solution for the Bakflip, I’m to the point where I’m not sure I’d attempt it again on such a big area. It’s working great as far as making the cover easy to clean and staying hydrophobic, but the streaks I left are still evident. I’d definitely advise caution on it.
    I really want the process to work since nothing else I’ve put on a Bakflip has held up more than a couple of weeks. The spot I did on the black Tundra’s Bakflip around six months ago is still repelling water at least 50% as effectively as it was on day one.
     
    GODZILLA, Runway and ToyoMafia like this.
  25. Feb 9, 2021 at 4:41 PM
    #25
    Runway

    Runway New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2019
    Member:
    #24550
    Messages:
    144
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kenneth
    Houston, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2016 White Tundra 1794
    Has anyone tried using a 000 or 0000 steel wool to take it off? Just wondering (that is where I can dream up some bulls...) it it would work. I may try it in a deep underground bunker beneath a nondescript inner city home.
     
  26. Feb 9, 2021 at 4:57 PM
    #26
    ToyoMafia

    ToyoMafia SSEM #15-3MW-RGBA#?-@toyomafiaworld Vendor

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2019
    Member:
    #38453
    Messages:
    11,565
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    Magic carpet.
    Cool slaps and plastiDip
    Post some pics. I was thinking of doing some test panels and playing with some different techniques.
     
  27. Feb 9, 2021 at 6:46 PM
    #27
    Runway

    Runway New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2019
    Member:
    #24550
    Messages:
    144
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kenneth
    Houston, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2016 White Tundra 1794
    If I can get away from the mines early enough tomorrow, I’ll give a small area a test. We have some cold sloppy weather headed our way - it may even get into the 40’s. Brrrrr.
     
  28. Feb 10, 2021 at 4:00 AM
    #28
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2017
    Member:
    #8939
    Messages:
    16,909
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Texas
    When I had some bad spots on my nerf bars, Cerakote recommended sanding, but I never tried.
     
    GODZILLA and ToyoMafia like this.
  29. Feb 10, 2021 at 6:20 AM
    #29
    Danimal86

    Danimal86 Looks clean even when its dirty!

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2017
    Member:
    #9321
    Messages:
    4,721
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Daniel
    Sacramento, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 White Tundra SR5
    @War Machine
    On the commuter pig my grille is getting pretty faded.
    Dirt likes to sit inside the holes that makes it kind of hard to clean. How bad do you think it would be to cerakote?
    upload_2021-2-10_6-18-58.jpg
     
  30. Feb 10, 2021 at 6:51 AM
    #30
    War Machine

    War Machine [OP] SSEM # 5 3MW

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2017
    Member:
    #8939
    Messages:
    16,909
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Texas
    Not too bad I don’t think. It’s on my list to do with my grills, just haven’t done it yet. (Mainly because I rarely take the time to thoroughly clean the holes in the grills.) Just make sure you have more than you think you need, and follow the tips we’ve given (completely clean, dry, etc.). I’d say go over the face of it first, then do the holes. It’d probably be way easier if you have the time and inclination to take the grill off and do it in a more controlled setting.

    I think you’ll be very pleased with it. It’ll definitely do the trick. I want to stress that I’ve used this stuff quite a bit with no problems and great results. The only problems I’ve had were my error. The product is phenomenal.
    I’ve put it on the trim on several vehicles, the front valance on a couple, the wheels on my previous Tundra, etc with absolutely no issue. No spots, streaks, nothing. The only time I’ve run into problems were the Bakflip and the two spots on my nerf bars where water dripped from the mirrors after applying. Other than those two spots, the nerf bars are still looking great.
     
    GODZILLA and ToyoMafia like this.

Products Discussed in

To Top