Ceramic Coating
Rivian R1T & R1S Ceramic Coating Guide: Electric Truck Protection
Blackout Window Tinting
7 min read
Complete guide to ceramic coating Rivian R1T and R1S electric trucks. Special considerations for glass roof, paint quality, and outdoor adventure protection.
Ceramic Coating for Rivian Adventure Vehicles
Rivian designed the R1T and R1S for adventure. But trails, mud, gravel, and the elements take their toll on paint. Here's how ceramic coating helps protect your investment.
Why Rivian Owners Choose Ceramic Coating
Adventure-ready protection:
- Trail debris - Easier cleanup after off-road trips
- Bug and sap removal - Camping areas leave residue
- UV protection - High-altitude sun exposure
- Water beading - Rain and mud slide off easier
- Scratch resistance - Added hardness against light abrasion
Rivian-Specific Considerations
Large Glass Roof:
- R1T and R1S have massive glass panels
- Glass coating essential for visibility and rain shedding
- UV protection for interior preservation
Paint Quality:
- Rivian uses water-based paint (environmentally conscious)
- Slightly softer than some competitors
- Benefits significantly from ceramic protection
Matte Finishes:
- Launch Green and other matte options require matte-specific coating
- Standard ceramic creates unwanted gloss on matte paint
- We use Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light (matte-safe) for these finishes
Recommended Coating Packages
| Package | Coverage | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | Paint + glass | 3 years | Light adventure use |
| Adventure | Paint + glass + wheels | 5 years | Regular trail use |
| Expedition | Full including trim | 7+ years | Heavy off-road |
Prep Work for Rivians
New vehicle (under 500 miles):
- Decontamination wash
- Light polish if needed
- Same-week turnaround
Used or driven Rivian:
- Full decontamination
- Paint correction as needed
- Trail damage assessment
Wheel and Underbody Considerations
For off-road Rivians:
- Wheel coating withstands brake heat and trail dust
- Consider underbody protection for exposed components
- Exhaust tips (if applicable) benefit from high-temp coating
Coating and PPF Combination
Many Rivian owners combine:
- PPF on front end (rock chips from gravel roads)
- Ceramic coating over PPF and entire vehicle
- XPEL or SunTek patterns cut specifically for R1T/R1S
Rivian Coating Cost
| Model | Essential | Adventure | Expedition |
|---|---|---|---|
| R1T Truck | $1,600-2,000 | $2,200-2,800 | $3,000-3,500 |
| R1S SUV | $1,700-2,100 | $2,300-2,900 | $3,100-3,600 |
Pricing reflects large vehicle size and off-road prep requirements.
Maintaining Coated Rivians
After off-road trips:
- Rinse immediately (don't let mud dry)
- Foam cannon pre-wash
- Two-bucket hand wash
- Dry with forced air or microfiber
Ceramic coating makes post-adventure cleanup significantly faster—mud and debris release easily instead of bonding to paint.
📞 Own a Rivian? Get a quote for adventure-ready protection
