Paint.. lets talk.
#1
Driver
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I m n the process of getting a new paint job. Im looking at candy paint and I hear it may be a high maintenance thing meaning if I get a little scratch, I will have to repaint the whole car, not just the spot. My question is, does anyone know if there is a clear, scratch-proof laminate that I can protect it with ( like the stuff they use on football helmets. Any suggestions?
#2
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Well Ive heard a lot about 3M™ Scotchgard Paint Protection Film. You cant protect your new paint job forever , at some point in time it will happen. I suggest just learning how to sand and buff out scratches or find a good detailing guy in your area if this ever happens.
#3
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I was told that those candy paint jobs are best suited for show cars cause they are expensive to get done and maintain eventually if you get scratches.
The worst part is , a car with a very good paint job attracts the attention of a??holes who will try to intentionally scratch up / key in your car. If you have such a car, never leave your eyes / sight away from it.
#5
Lexus Champion
#6
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Back in the day, we had a bullet proof paint called IMRON, I can't remember if it was a Ditzler product or PPG, but it was very hard to scratch or damage. Not sure if it's still around, but would be expensive anyway. Most "Candies" have Pearl overcoat and laid on in multiple layers, thus making repairs to it rather extensive. If you plan on driving this car to the mall, I suggest you go with just a good base coat/ clearcoat urethane paint for easier maintanence & repair.
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#8
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (8)
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That is exactly what I had been told by good painters / shops I have been through canvassing costs of paint jobs for my Red Mamba One.
I was told that those candy paint jobs are best suited for show cars cause they are expensive to get done and maintain eventually if you get scratches.
The worst part is , a car with a very good paint job attracts the attention of a??holes who will try to intentionally scratch up / key in your car. If you have such a car, never leave your eyes / sight away from it.
I was told that those candy paint jobs are best suited for show cars cause they are expensive to get done and maintain eventually if you get scratches.
The worst part is , a car with a very good paint job attracts the attention of a??holes who will try to intentionally scratch up / key in your car. If you have such a car, never leave your eyes / sight away from it.
#9
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (17)
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Paint protection films will prevent scratches in the clearcoat, you are correct.
The best films on the market that I know of are SunTek, Xpel, and 3M.
To do a full car is going to run you in the neighborhood of $4000-$7000 depending on installer rates, film type, etc. Not cheap.
Here's what I will say about film, it's a great product to protect from chips, scratches, etc... the installer at our shop has done plenty "full coverage" wraps where the entire car is clear bra'd....usually it's some sort of crazy exotic or a car that's really special to someone.
Don't think that the film is set-it-and-forget-it type product, it's not. You have to maintain it just like paint (meaning regular washing and so forth, there are even special coatings used to protect the film just like they protect clearcoat (Opti-Coat, CQuartz, Modesta, 22PLE, etc.). You cannot buff film either, so keep that in mind.
Although the film has alot of benefits, the downside to it is that it's more vulnerable to some elements than paint. For example, once the film gets etched by bug splatter or a bird dropping, or an oil drop, the film is done for, there's nothing you can do to correct the damage besides peel it off and have it completely redone. Seems pretty easy right? Only issue with film removal is it isn't the easiest thing to do in the world and you will have a difficult time finding someone who is even willing to do it, let alone on a repainted car (something 9/10 people in the business will NOT agree to do because of the liability involved). I've torn paint off of repainted Lamborghinis, it's not a fun experience, but a definite eye opener.
The best films on the market that I know of are SunTek, Xpel, and 3M.
To do a full car is going to run you in the neighborhood of $4000-$7000 depending on installer rates, film type, etc. Not cheap.
Here's what I will say about film, it's a great product to protect from chips, scratches, etc... the installer at our shop has done plenty "full coverage" wraps where the entire car is clear bra'd....usually it's some sort of crazy exotic or a car that's really special to someone.
Don't think that the film is set-it-and-forget-it type product, it's not. You have to maintain it just like paint (meaning regular washing and so forth, there are even special coatings used to protect the film just like they protect clearcoat (Opti-Coat, CQuartz, Modesta, 22PLE, etc.). You cannot buff film either, so keep that in mind.
Although the film has alot of benefits, the downside to it is that it's more vulnerable to some elements than paint. For example, once the film gets etched by bug splatter or a bird dropping, or an oil drop, the film is done for, there's nothing you can do to correct the damage besides peel it off and have it completely redone. Seems pretty easy right? Only issue with film removal is it isn't the easiest thing to do in the world and you will have a difficult time finding someone who is even willing to do it, let alone on a repainted car (something 9/10 people in the business will NOT agree to do because of the liability involved). I've torn paint off of repainted Lamborghinis, it's not a fun experience, but a definite eye opener.
#10
Driver
Thread Starter
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Well Ive heard a lot about 3M™ Scotchgard Paint Protection Film. You cant protect your new paint job forever , at some point in time it will happen. I suggest just learning how to sand and buff out scratches or find a good detailing guy in your area if this ever happens.
#12
Intermediate
iTrader: (3)
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Back in the day, we had a bullet proof paint called IMRON, I can't remember if it was a Ditzler product or PPG, but it was very hard to scratch or damage. Not sure if it's still around, but would be expensive anyway. Most "Candies" have Pearl overcoat and laid on in multiple layers, thus making repairs to it rather extensive. If you plan on driving this car to the mall, I suggest you go with just a good base coat/ clearcoat urethane paint for easier maintanence & repair.
#14
Driver
Thread Starter
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These r the paint chips I was looking at. I know a lot of people dont like the 'candy" paint cuz its pricey, life is pricey. Im going with tbe "o so sexy". Contacted DuPont too. Its a go fellas.
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