How hard is it to keep Midnight clean?

[Scoiatael]

I'm stuck between Midnight and El Cap for my R1S. My R1T was El Cap, but I'm leaning towards Midnight with dark package and aero wheels for the R1S. Its been a long time since I had a black vehicle, so was just wondering how hard is it to keep it looking clean, and is heat really that much of an issue? It does get up to 110 during the summer here, but I don't recall having an issue with the heat when I had a black F150 many years ago.

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[MidnightRivian]

Black is 100% a labor of love.

PPF and Ceramic coating along with pressure washer, foam cannon and battery operated leaf blower make it easier / less labor intensive.


One way or another you will pay to make black look clean all the time.

check out the below picture of what you’ll be doing often if you get dark paint. It’s 100% worth it and good therapy. Check out the after pictures.

Micro scratches will be easier to see on darker paint.

I included picture of an El Cap I saw on the road in daily driver condition. It does a better job of hiding dirt.

I’ve had no issues with cooling in triple digits temps and black paint. I use a sun shade for the windshield when parked outdoors. Ceramic tint all around including windshield but not on the roof. I also pre-condition and cool the cabin ahead of time.

 

[InTheMatrix]

Love my midnight black but yes very hard to keep clean. I have to dust it daily with my California duster. I ended up getting the Xpel stealth ppf done and with the matte finish it’s definitely a little less noticeable with the dust and finger prints which is a plus.

Either way black is the nicest color to have imo but also the hardest to keep clean.

 

[wolfsbane]

I stealthed and ceramic coated mine. Cleans easy when I drive it thru a car wash. Doesn’t hold water spots or anything, but honestly, I don’t even care when it’s dirty. It’s a truck.

EDIT: one thing I tried to ask about before I got mine, but didn't really get an answer, was a worry I had about Midnight: the grey plastic molding along the bottom --- it's very dark gray and looks fine with Midnight when new, but will it fade to light gray over time? Like those old Chevy Avalanches did? I don't want a two-tone vehicle like that... sliver or El cap might be better if it's going to lighten into a two tone gray truck.. ...detailer assured me the ceramic coating and annual updates to the care should keep it dark though.

 

[NY_Rob]

Black stays clean for one day (if you're lucky), grey/silver derivatives can go for very long periods between washings.

Just saying..

 

[Chewy734]

Black is 100% a labor of love.

This. That ladder is key, even if you are 6’ tall. These trucks are damn wide and high! ?

 

[HopefullyR1S]

We originally had El Cap on order with 21” wheels. Estimated delivery was Jan ‘25.
A midnight R1S with the black 22s was available to us in Dec of 23.
Although it does show more dirt than other colors; we are very happy we went with black. When clean it shines and has a hidden blue speckle.

Now off to wash it again since we went camping in it all weekend.

 

[MidnightRivian]

I stealthed and ceramic coated mine. Cleans easy when I drive it thru a car wash. Doesn’t hold water spots or anything, but honestly, I don’t even care when it’s dirty. It’s a truck.

EDIT: one thing I tried to ask about before I got mine, but didn't really get an answer, was a worry I had about Midnight: the grey plastic molding along the bottom --- it's very dark gray and looks fine with Midnight when new, but will it fade to light gray over time? Like those old Chevy Avalanches did? I don't want a two-tone vehicle like that... sliver or El cap might be better if it's going to lighten into a two tone gray truck.. ...detailer assured me the ceramic coating and annual updates to the care should keep it dark though.

You can use this ceramic coating with black pigment to restore / protect the black trim.

https://www.feynlab.com/product/feynlab-plastic-black-ultra/

FEYNLAB® PLASTIC BLACK ULTRA

Introducing Feynlab Plastic Black Ultra – The ultimate black trim restoration solution. Elevate your automotive detailing game with Feynlab Plastic Black Ultra, a revolutionary ceramic-based trim restorer meticulously crafted for black trim restoration. This is a one-of a kind solution that goes beyond traditional approaches, with advanced molecular technology to address plastic degradation at its core.

 

[MidnightRivian]

We originally had El Cap on order with 21” wheels. Estimated delivery was Jan ‘25.
A midnight R1S with the black 22s was available to us in Dec of 23.
Although it does show more dirt than other colors; we are very happy we went with black. When clean it shines and has a hidden blue speckle.

Now off to wash it again since we went camping in it all weekend.

The blue flakes is what sealed the deal for me.

The metallic paint is gorgeous ?

 

[Scoiatael]

I used to wash my R1T every 3 to 4 weeks, so getting the feeling that won't be passable with Midnight

 

[COdogman]

Black paint is amazing for 15 minutes after you wash it, then it's time for a dusting or another wash.

Unless I own my own chain of car washes I will probably never go that route again.

My T is silver and I don't mind if it's dirty and I don't hesitate to take it to a drive through car wash.

 

[ssbmx90]

It’ll stay clean as long as any other black car. 1 drive or about 15hrs parked. Not joking. ?

I only purchase black cars, have a black garage, cabinets, toolbox, work bench, weights, garage is blacked out. It’s a lifestyle.

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