Seconding the recommendation above! Honestly, after about 10 years of detailing my own rigs, I've seen how much work a vehicle as big as the R1S actually is. If you're really worried about that 'soft' Rivian paint, a pro job is safer because they'll do the paint correction properly first. But if you're looking to save some serious cash while keeping things reliable and safe, you can do a high-end DIY for a fraction of the cost.

I'm super satisfied with how my projects have turned out using prosumer kits that don't break the bank compared to a $2k pro install. Coming back to this an hour later, I realized we haven't mentioned some of the more forgiving options that prioritize paint safety. Here’s what I’d look at to balance safety and budget:

* **CarPro CQuartz UK 3.0 50ml Kit**: This is my go-to for DIY because the flash time is very forgiving. It’s safer for beginners because it doesn't harden instantly, which prevents those nasty "high spots" that can ruin your finish. It usually runs around $70-$90, which is a steal.
* **CarPro Gliss 50ml Top Coat**: Since you mentioned off-roading, adding this as a top layer makes the surface incredibly slick. It adds that extra layer of safety against light marring from dirt and makes washing a breeze.
* **The Rag Company Liquid Platinum Microfiber Towels 16x16**: Seriously, don't skimp on towels! Using high-quality microfiber is the best way to ensure you don't scratch that factory paint during application.

Tbh, if you do it yourself, you're looking at maybe $200 in supplies versus $1,500+. That's a lot of money left over for gear! Hope this helps!

Seconding the recommendation above. Honestly, going pro is the safest bet for a vehicle this size. My warning: avoid cheap consumer-grade 'coatings' that are just glorified waxes.

In my experience over the years, Rivian paint can be a bit soft, so you need something with real chemical resistance for that off-road muck. If you want an alternative to Ceramic Pro, look into CarPro CQuartz Finest Reserve or Modesta BC-04 Glass Coating. They're thick and offer way better protection than DIY stuff. FWIW, I think? don't quote me, but the labor cost is mostly the paint correction anyway. Hope this helps!

Seconding the recommendation above! Honestly, going pro is the safest bet for a vehicle this size, especially since the R1S has so much real estate to cover. I totally get the hesitation about the cost though. When I first looked into it, I was shocked by the $1,500+ quotes, but if you're planning on off-roading, that chemical resistance is a total lifesaver for cleaning off mud and grit without swirling the paint.

Since we're talking budget and value, I want to throw CarPro CQuartz UK 3.0 50ml Kit into the mix if you decide to brave the DIY route. It's legendary for being user-friendly for intermediate folks and it handles the soft Rivian paint really well! If you want something even more durable but still want to save some cash compared to the high-end shop prices, look for a local detailer who offers AvalonKing Armor Shield IX DIY Kit applications or even Adams Polishes Graphene Ceramic Coating Advanced. The graphene options are amazing for heat dissipation and reducing water spots, which is a huge plus if your R1S sits out in the sun.

FWIW, if you do it yourself, you'll probably spend about $150-$200 on materials including a good prep spray like Gtechniq W6 Iron and General Fallout Remover. It's a lot of work, but the factory shine is just fantastic once it's locked in! Hope this helps and congrats on the new beast!

In my experience, you're better off going pro. I've tried many coatings over the years, and for a beast with that much surface area, I'd seriously recommend getting Ceramic Pro ION applied by a certified shop. I went the DIY route once with Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light on a smaller SUV, and honestly, the prep work on a vehicle the size of an R1S is exhausting. If you miss even a tiny spot during the leveling process, you're gonna have high spots that look terrible. Since you mentioned off-roading, the professional-grade Ceramic Pro 9H layers offer way better protection against light brush scratches and make cleaning off mud a total breeze... well, actually, it's more about the piece of mind knowing it's warrantied. Don't risk a DIY fail on a $90k truck, its just not worth the headache!

Seconding the recommendation above! Honestly, going pro is the safest bet for a vehicle this size, especially since the R1S has so much real estate to cover. I totally get the hesitation about the cost though. When I first looked into it, I was shocked by the $1,500+ quotes, but if you're planning on off-roading, that chemical resistance is a total lifesaver for cleaning off mud and grit without swirling the paint.

Since we're talking budget and value, I want to throw CarPro CQuartz UK 3.0 50ml Kit into the mix if you decide to brave the DIY route. It's legendary for being user-friendly for intermediate folks and it handles the soft Rivian paint really well! If you want something even more durable but still want to save some cash compared to the high-end shop prices, look for a local detailer who offers AvalonKing Armor Shield IX DIY Kit applications or even Adams Polishes Graphene Ceramic Coating Advanced. The graphene options are amazing for heat dissipation and reducing water spots, which is a huge plus if your R1S sits out in the sun.

FWIW, if you do it yourself, you'll probably spend about $150-$200 on materials including a good prep spray like Gtechniq W6 Iron and General Fallout Remover. It's a lot of work, but the factory shine is just fantastic once it's locked in! Hope this helps and congrats on the new beast!

Wow ok that changes things. Gonna have to rethink my approach now.

Yep been there done that. Can confirm everything said above is spot on.