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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

Repaint the car a factory color.....makes it much easier to touch up.....

You could go with a new toyota or lexus color....If i ever repaint my car I will go that route

 

i'm probably just gonna paint mine some generic white as well. the cheapest OEM color i can find.

 

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.

 

I'd just stick with an OEM color.

 

This, if you're gonna get it repainted I'd shy away from a candy coat for that exact reason. Aim for something that will come with less headaches, head to the detailing section of this forum or DetailingBliss.com and learn about paint sealants, regardless of if you get it candy or go with something more subtle you'll want to know how best to protect your paint. I wouldn't put a solid film over anything I just spent a couple grand getting painted. What's the point of having a nice finish if you cover it up. Instead look into some good paint sealants, or get yourself on a steady clay/wax/wash regimen with lots of time in he garage.

 

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.

 

Thanks, im going to look into scotchgard tomorrow.

 

I appreciate the input. "Candy" is out, makes no sense to spend the money. I think im going to stick with the red.

 

Imron was by DuPont. You can still get it. Because it's softer, it doesn't rock chip as easily so it's a favorite of truckers and aircraft owners

 

Thanks, been along time since I used the stuff. Glad to here they still make it.

 

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.

 

The wineberry is killer over silver or gold.