Best way to protect new paint from rock chips?

[PJmak]

Just had my front bumper redone and would like some sort of protection on it.

Are there some sorts of ceramic coats for this purpose or is the good old clear bra the way to go?

What do you recommend?

 

[gsxr]

AFAIK, the only safe method is clear protection film.

Looks GREAT, btw.

 

[gerryvz]

Your best bet is going to be a ClearBra type film. And Lamin-X on your headlight lenses.

I would do the first 12-18" of your hood's leading edge, too, and the wiper panels underneath your headlights.

 

[kwontumspeed]

... and the wiper panels underneath your headlights.

These panels seem to attract all debris coming off the road in my experience. No clear bra for me, as long as I rattle can these babies once a year I'm good. Seriously, no other chips on my car except on these panels. Not even the valance...weird.

 

[gsxr]

Seriously, no other chips on my car except on these panels. Not even the valance...weird.

On the 036 specifically, I've noticed the headlight wiper panels, and rear edge of the rocker panels (just in front of the rear tires) tend to get the most stone chips.

Leading edge of the hood/grille, some front bumper areas, and door mirrors are next. This also varies by type of paint used. Lower-end paints can chip much, much more easily than certain high-end paints.

 

[ace10]

Let that paint cure before you apply PPF. Ask the body shop AND the PPF manufacturer for guidance.

 

[gsxr]

Oh yeah - good point, Ace. See how long the paint mfr specifies for cure time before applying ANYTHING... clear film, ceramic sealant, or even wax. Generally can be 1-2 months.

 

[Ntrepid]

If you are going to do a clear bra, consider doing the entire hood, fenders, and front bumper. Otherwise you may have a line where it ends when the clear bra is replaced down the road.


Robert

 

[PJmak]

Good point on the paint cure. Guess Ill have to wait.

Im only doing the bumper for now because its the only panel that was repainted

 

[gsxr]

Just curious, what did it cost you to get the bumper painted? And what brand/type of paint was used?

 

[nocfn]

Definitely self healing clear wrap

 

[gerryvz]

Use the same clear wrap as used for EZL goo?

 

[PJmak]

Just curious, what did it cost you to get the bumper painted? And what brand/type of paint was used?

It cost me 75 bux to repair the crack and 300 to paint it. Not sure wtag kind of paint.

Whole car will need a paintjob but now is not the time so I just had to do the bumper just so the car is complete and can be driven around.

When the time comes for a full paintjob, ill be looking into glasurit

 

[skikrazey]

XPEL | Paint Protection | Window Tint | Flat Glass | Anti-Microbial Film Great product have used it on several cars!!! It is self healing.

 

[nocfn]

PAINT PROTECTION FILM | GC Auto Shield

www.gcautoshield.com

Here is a shop I use and their products. As written above, great stuff and the window film is great (what I purchased for the windscreen and the headlights on my C126)

 

[TerryA]

Good point on the paint cure. Guess Ill have to wait.

Im only doing the bumper for now because its the only panel that was repainted

PJ,

I have 8mm Clear Bra on my lower fascia and the panels under the headlights with 20mm Lamin-X on my headlight lenses and 40mm on the fogs. It's done a great job protecting the front or my car. The installer I used could not put it on the lower grill work so it remains exposed.

NOTE: My only regret is waiting about a week or two for the paint to cure and carefully driving the car with no Clear Bra.
Even with being careful I got some chips that had to be touched up before the Clear Bra installation.

I can't think of a better product for protection.

Take Care