This 2024 RAM 2500 HD Laramie with custom chrome removal and Weld wheels was dropped off at our headquarters as part of our 2024 Master Training Event. During the event, our candidates applying for Master Installer status had the chance to demonstrate their skills and refine their technique on the Ram’s Diamond Black paint. Our customer walked away satisfied, secure in the knowledge that their coating was installed by the newest class of certified Master Installers, an elite detailing group representing the top of their field. In this article we’ll give you an inside look into the coating process at our training center. Let’s dive in.
The first step to coating any car is to assess the vehicle’s unique needs and features. The Laramie is the highest end option available for the RAM 2500 HD, meaning this pickup leans into luxury. The 2500 is more than capable of off-roading and heavy hauling, the trim communicates the vehicle’s power, and the interior options make sure the driver can accomplish their goals in comfort and style.
Before installation could begin, we needed to decontaminate and paint-correct the vehicle. Fireball’s inspection sheets allowed our trainees to recognize multiple areas of concern, which we treat with appropriate products. On the Ram, we used Iron Burn.
Iron Burn or a similar decontamination product is essential in any detailing shop. Iron Burn is a gentle acid specially formulated to break down dirt and other contaminants without damaging the surface. Iron burn gently lifts these contaminants away from your paint, and holds onto them as you rinse the formula off. Standard procedure for Fireball Installers is to use Iron Burn on all of the body panels of the vehicle,as well as the wheels, tires, and glass elements. We apply Iron Burn as a preventative step to remove potential hazards before the general vehicle wash. Due to the motion and pressure applied during washing, contaminants can embed themselves in the surface of the vehicle if not removed first, leading to further, long-lasting damage , and in extreme cases, coating failure. Iron Burn makes short work of the decontamination process, and rinses off easily.
For the wash, we had our trainees use Hydro Shampoo. Hydro Shampoo is a two-in-one wash and sealant that cleans, but also provides a hydrophobic sealant. While this is not noteworthy compared to a full ceramic coating, it does provide hydrophobics that should last until the vehicle’s next wash. Many detailers like this product for its hyper-concentrated formula. Just 2 oz is all that’s needed for a full wash, even for a large truck like the Ram. We gently hand washed and towel dried the pickup truck, leaving it primed and ready for paint correction.
Paint correction is an incredibly important step in ceramic coating. Paint correction was accomplished quickly, as our experienced partners Auto Appearance KC and other certified Fireball Installers showed our trainees the exact amount of pressure needed to buff out the defects, swirls, and water spots.
Part of the benefit of volunteering a vehicle for a Fireball Ceramic Coating training is the chance to get one of the first vehicles in the world coated with the new products Fireball is working on at the moment. For the Ram, we coated the entire thing in an all-new unreleased coating that should provide extreme hydrophobics, and allowed us to coat the entire truck in half the time it would usually take. These coatings aren’t available to anyone yet, so unfortunately we can’t tell you too much about them. What we can say is that Jin Hyuk Jang personally oversaw the application process, and once the coating had set, the hydrophobic performance astounded even our veteran installers. Keep your eye out for new products, coming soon from Fireball.
Along with the experimental coatings, we coated the Weld wheels with Talon. Talon is our specialized one year high-temperature ceramic coating, built for high stress areas like brake calipers, exhaust tips, and intake manifolds. Talon specializes in protecting vehicles from brake dust, water damage, heat damage, iron contamination, and chemical build-up. Our trainees used the Fireball Finger Suede to reach coating into narrow places the regular coating applicator block cannot reach, according to an earlier demonstration on Talon’s application.
We also paid special attention to the Ram’s interior. We gave the trainees a demonstration of Nappa Cleaner and Nappa Coat’s application on the Ram’s seats, dashboard, and door panels.
Once the coatings were set, the 2500 was complete.
All of our installers have been factory trained in an environment much like the one outlined above, so when you come to a Fireball Installer, you know they’ve been properly and thoroughly trained. You’ll get a thorough, top-to-bottom inspection and correction like the one outlined here, and your detailer can help talk you through our product lineup to find which coating is best for your specific vehicle. If you’re looking for a ceramic coating, don’t wait, choose Fireball for a company who delivers quality in every detail.
