Thread: PAINT PROTECTION FILM, HAS ANYONE USED IT?

Hi Canaussie,


How do you find the film for protection of the leading edge of the rear wheel arch mouldings? Have been on a recent Simpson desert crossing and noticed quite a few stone chips in this location.


Do you use Road Warrior?


Thanks
Bob

Yes for that area something like the 3m shield would be a better option, I was going for the sides mostly for pin stripe avoidance on my new vehicle. The front of my guards have so good chips in them.

I used the Road Warrior product and it has worked well on Fraser Island on the seldom used north-west tracks. Could see bits were sticks had gouged holes in the coating but nothing came through to the paint work.

The only issue I had with it was when I used it on our trip to Cooktown earlier this year we went through a bit of a rain storm. It softened it up a bit and then cruising along at 100Km/hr had a couple of sections peel off the bonnet. Fortunately it caught in the roof rack. Pretty sure the person travelling behind me would not have been impressed with the gluggy film tangled in their windscreen wipers.

I have dredged this thread up because it helped me decide which way to go for protecting the rear wheel flares from stone chips thrown by the front wheels.
For reference, this other thread is good for the temporary products like Road Warrior but for now I just wanted a semi-permanent protection for the flares.
I have already had the flares re-sprayed and they look as good as new. There's a before shot in this post



They stock and use both 3M and Avery products but recommended a different product as the best for a clear protective film.
Hexis Skintac HX20000


Apparently it lasts longer and is able to self-heal to some extent. I was told that most scratches in the film can be removed with the application of hot water but that's obviously unproven at this stage.

Anyway, it is virtually invisible once applied unless you look very closely. I was advised there may be some minor air bubbles that will clear themselves but to simply take it back if there was anything untoward. It all looks good right now.

It cost $150 to get the two flares coated and took less than an hour. Good service, would recommend to others.
Hopefully it will be money well spent. We are going to the Red Centre this winter so some of those roads should test it out.

Scott

Just finished doing some testing of the road warrior product at scratchy alley around Beachport. Works well for a temporary solution and we have used it on a couple of the bikes and after a couple of interstate runs it stood up well. Albeit it has not rained in so long I can't comment on what happens if the stuff gets wet

We are happy enough that both the D3 and D4 will get two coats before we head off to the Kimberley and WA for a few months just to see how long it lasts. For us its not just about scratches but also protecting the paint from the crap that happens when you travel. If it reduces the time taken to clean the cars after this forthcoming adventure I will be a fan

Rob

I've been using Paint Shield and last year I left it on for 10mths, I did give it another coat after 6mths as they recommend. Came off with a high pressure washer easily.
Car didn't even need a polish

Originally Posted by ~Rich~

I've been using Paint Shield and last year I left it on for 10mths, I did give it another coat after 6mths as they recommend. Came off with a high pressure washer easily.
Car didn't even need a polish

Hi Rich - kindly advise please....


1) how did Paint Shield perform when it rained? A number of these products start to peel when it showers/rains. Re-applying every time after a downpour would be pain after a while


2) did it provide good protection from sticks, etc scratching the sides when driving down over-grown tracks?


3) does the product have a shelf life or can it last a year or two if you keep the container sealed?


Appreciate your response. Thank you


Mario

Originally Posted by LRD414

I have already had the flares re-sprayed and they look as good as new.

Hey Scott,
Was the stone chip damage you incurred before moving to the new sliders with in-fill panels and the D1/2 front mud flaps? What I'm getting at is are you expecting/seeing a significant reduction in stones through these more 'frontline' measures and therefore the sticker coating will hopefully only need to be a last line of defence?