Coating to protect clear coat?

[TX_TRU_STUD]

Is there a coating by 3M or someone that you can spray on your truck every 6 months or so that will prevent it from getting hair line scratches, etc?

Also, is there a film you can put on your grille and headlights that is clear that will protect it from bugs, rocks, etc? I want something I can replace or spray on that will keep the truck looking new and not let those items get dull. It may be a pipe dream though...

[rforsythe]

From a clear coat perspective, you can apply a paint sealer and good wax to help protect it, and just not rub the paint when dirt is on it. Clay bar is great to get the contaminants off before you clean/seal/wax as well. You can still scratch the paint, but that can also be polished out as part of the resealing process later on.

For the front, look at 3M Clear Bra. I just had my hood and fenders done and you can't even tell it's there unless you're right up on it. It's a professionally-applied film that is basically permanent, you don't need to replace it.

[TX_TRU_STUD]

I kind of want to do the entire truck. That way the clear coat will never get scratched up and I can replace the film later in the trucks life. What do you guys think? Crazy? Expensive?

Im talking headlights, grille, hood, sides, tailgate, painted surfaces, etc. With a black truck, the hairline scratches will drive me nuts. My silver truck doesnt show them as bad as a black truck will.

[rforsythe]

You can still scratch the film though too, so it's not a cure-all. I guess you could wrap the whole truck, but yes that would be crazy expensive. See if you can find someone local with Clear Bra on the hood so you can get an idea of how it looks/feels and see if it's for you.

Short of that though, there is not really something you can just "spray on" that will protect from scratches.

[Top]

First thing I did to my truck when I bought it. 3m bra to the front end (King Ranch), 3m the back of the mirrors, and 3m under each door handle. As soon as my lift goes on and I install the Amp steps (two weeks), I will then 3m the rockers, the rear bumper and the tailgate. It's great stuff!

[SickStroke6.0]

Opti-Coat is something you should look into. Otherwise, clear vinyl will be your only other option. I've seen several detailers install the clear films post-detail.

[Guardian29]

I had my truck Opti-Coated about 2 months ago. I would highly recommend it. Total cost was about 400, but that was because they need to make the paint nearly perfect before coating, so it really broke down to a extra large full detail, and then the coating. If you have any specific questions let me know.

[SickStroke6.0]

Originally Posted by Guardian29

I had my truck Opti-Coated about 2 months ago. I would highly recommend it. Total cost was about 400, but that was because they need to make the paint nearly perfect before coating, so it really broke down to a extra large full detail, and then the coating. If you have any specific questions let me know.

Yes, they will most likely restore your paint before coating it. I have wanted to try the OptiCoat for a very long time, just haven't pulled the trigger yet.

[Guardian29]

I would honestly recommend it to anyone. I hand wash it every time and have had no swirling appear. If you weigh out how much it will cost you to repair improper washing and just getting it coated, it pays for itself. Now, if you have a WHITE truck and dont have ocd like me, I dont think it would be for you. Its mainly because my truck is dark blue, and I am super picky.

[SickStroke6.0]

Originally Posted by Guardian29

I would honestly recommend it to anyone. I hand wash it every time and have had no swirling appear. If you weigh out how much it will cost you to repair improper washing and just getting it coated, it pays for itself. Now, if you have a WHITE truck and dont have ocd like me, I dont think it would be for you. Its mainly because my truck is dark blue, and I am super picky.

I agree. With proper washing techniques (two-bucket method, and no automatic car washes EVER), you really shouldn't ever have swirls again, in theory.