2023 Rivian R1S Wrapped in SunTek Ultra Matte PPF – Premium Paint Protection in South Jersey
Rivian Paint Protection Film Experts in New Jersey
Electric performance, rugged off-road capability, and futuristic design—the 2023 Rivian R1S is one of the most exciting new vehicles on the road. This all-electric SUV doesn’t just promise utility—it delivers it with presence and power. The one that arrived at my South Jersey shop came factory-finished in gloss black, and the owner wanted to take things a step further: preserve the paint while giving the R1S a bold, stealthy aesthetic upgrade. The solution? A full-body SunTek Ultra Matte paint protection film installation.
The job involved a combination of bulk film installation and modified plotter-cut patterns, giving us the ability to hit tight tolerances while hiding edges and seams wherever possible. The result was a flawless, satin black finish that enhanced the SUV’s lines and added the kind of daily protection that Rivian owners—especially those who plan to actually use the vehicle—can’t afford to skip.
Why Full Body PPF Is Critical for a Black Rivian R1S
Black paint is notorious for showing every imperfection. Swirls, scratches, and micro-marring are unavoidable with normal use—unless you add a barrier. With the Rivian R1S’s large surfaces and sharp character lines, keeping a factory black finish looking pristine is almost impossible without a high-quality film applied early on.
That’s why this owner opted for a full-body install of SunTek Ultra Matte PPF. It does two things at once: it protects the delicate black paint underneath, and it transforms the look of the vehicle with a muted satin finish that sets the R1S apart from the sea of gloss black SUVs.
Matte finishes are increasingly popular in the luxury and electric segments, and with this install, the Rivian gained a completely different presence on the road. It now looks more aggressive, more refined, and more purposeful—all while being easier to maintain.
PPF Installation Process: Combining Precision with Seamless Coverage
Wrapping a Rivian R1S presents some unique challenges. Its size, shape, and trim layout demand a thoughtful approach. That’s why this installation relied on a hybrid method, combining custom bulk film work for seamless coverage and modified plotter-cut patterns for tight areas like parking sensors, badging, and door handles.
Panels were cleaned, clayed, and fully decontaminated before any film touched the surface. Trim was loosened or removed where necessary, especially in areas where visibility and exposure were high. I spent additional time on edges, corners, and complex curves to make sure the film wrapped cleanly with no lifting, distortion, or tension failure.
SunTek’s Ultra Matte film has great conformability, which allowed me to work it into the SUV’s curves and panel gaps without overstretching. The bulk method was especially important on larger panels like the hood, doors, and fenders to minimize seams and maintain a uniform finish.
This wasn’t a job done with shortcuts or team rotations. I handled the full installation myself, ensuring that the level of detail matched the quality Rivian builds into its vehicles.
What Makes SunTek Ultra Matte Ideal for a Premium SUV Like the R1S
Rivian’s paint is still new to the market, but it’s already proven to be soft and vulnerable to the kinds of wear you expect from real-world use—road salt, debris, tree sap, and bug acid don’t care that it’s an EV. SunTek Ultra Matte PPF offers real protection with a premium finish.
Unlike vinyl wraps that fade, crack, and offer limited resistance to impact, SunTek’s paint protection film is self-healing, stain-resistant, and built for daily use. It takes rock chips, scratches, and weather exposure in stride while giving your paint a chance to survive untouched underneath.
The matte finish isn’t just for looks—it hides fingerprints, smudges, and swirl marks while creating a more sculpted and rugged appearance. And because it’s backed by a manufacturer warranty and installed professionally, it’s a long-term investment that retains the vehicle’s resale value and enhances the visual appeal.
South Jersey’s Choice for Owner-Installed PPF on High-End EVs
When it comes to installing PPF on something like a Rivian, experience matters. I’ve been in this industry for over 13 years and built South Jersey Paint Protection to be a place where car owners know they’re not getting rushed, outsourced work. Every install is handled by me personally—no cutting corners, no rotating techs, and no excuses.
This Rivian R1S got the same white-glove treatment I give every premium SUV and performance vehicle that comes through the shop. I don’t take on too many jobs at once. That means when your vehicle’s in my bay, it’s the only one I’m thinking about.
That’s especially important for large-format vehicles like the R1S, where precision, symmetry, and clean stretch lines are hard to achieve without focus. The end result wasn’t just protection—it was craftsmanship that elevated the entire vehicle.
Local EV Owners Are Choosing Full PPF Installs in South Jersey
With more EV owners in Cherry Hill, Mullica Hill, Haddonfield, and Voorhees choosing full-body PPF to protect their Teslas, Rivians, and Lucids, the trend is clear: protection is no longer optional. Paint quality on modern EVs is not what it used to be, and with matte or satin finishes becoming more popular, early protection is more critical than ever.
For this Rivian R1S, the film didn’t just protect—it made the car feel custom-built. It turned heads before, but now it stops people in their tracks. The subtle satin black look gives it a tactical, refined aesthetic without drawing unnecessary attention. It blends capability with style—just like the vehicle itself.
Planning to Wrap and Protect Your Rivian?
If you're considering wrapping your Rivian R1T or R1S in a color-change or stealth protection film, now is the time to do it—before the paint sees real wear. A full-body matte PPF installation offers not just a cleaner look but smarter long-term protection.
At South Jersey Paint Protection, I’ll walk you through all your options, explain how each film performs, and build a customized installation plan based on your goals. Whether it’s matte, gloss, or satin—what matters most is how it’s installed. And I install everything myself.
If you want your Rivian to stand out without shouting, to be protected without looking overdone, and to get service from someone who treats every vehicle like it’s his own—reach out today. Let’s get your build protected the right way, from the first mile to the last.
